Gerald Joseph Terranova

Stationed in San Diego, California, Jerry served in the Navy for two years as a Fireman Apprentice on the USS Horne (DLG-30). Afterwards, he worked alongside his father in the family’s concrete company and then worked for Fremont Ford for fifteen years. Later in life he worked for the J.W. Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he received awards for his service.

Jerry was a fun loving, friendly and strong-willed Italian that loved to be in the kitchen cooking. He met the love of his life, Louise Coffelt, in September 1997 and they made each other happy for nearly 26 years. Much of Jerry’s life was surrounded by racing, whether he was racing, flagging, cheering on his favorite drivers, or supporting his dearest friends the Sickle family at the racetrack and at home. Many of Jerry’s friendships began at one of the many tracks he enjoyed over the years.

Jerry and Louise met bowling, one of their fun pastimes, in Lake County, California, and lived in Middletown and Santa Rosa, California, Carson City, Nevada, and eventually settled in Surprise, Arizona, where they spent the last 21 years.

There were many camping adventures over the years, both in their superbly large tent and eventually in their motorhome. Some of the memorable experiences included the cross country trip from Arizona to Florida, several spectacular escapades to Durango, Colorado, relaxation in the woods, and, of course, weekend expeditions to the racetrack. Before he was forced to travel less, Laughlin, Nevada was one of Jerry’s favorite places to visit and taking in a hilarious Terry Fator show was often on the list of to do’s.

Jerry is survived by his love, Louise Coffelt, two sons Gerald Joseph (Cynthia) Terranova Junior, Joseph (Talia) Terranova-Ito, three step children Sherry (Bill) Glascock, Kristie Coffelt, Suzette (Matt) Prante, ten grandchildren, and his brother Gary Bringuel.

The services for Jerry will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 North 59th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona. A visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, the funeral service will follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, and a short graveside service will be held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Terranova family.