Terrence E Eldridge

1954-2014

Terry Eldridge passed away peacefully of February 18th after a long illness. Born April 2nd,1954, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the only child of Carolyn (Eastman) and Edward Eldridge. While growing up, Terry was very active in the Boy Scouts, church, and music. As a teenager he found his passion for music and developed his skills as a trombonist.

Terry attended Otterbein College in Ohio, where he earned his BA in music performance as a trombone and euphonium player. He spent a year at the Cleveland Conservatory of Music, and went on to Kent State University earning his BS in Music Education. Terry moved to Maine in 1978 and later went to the University of Maine, at Orono where he earned his Master’s in Music Education. It was in graduate school where he met his wife, Becky.

Terry was an amazing musician and a gifted teacher. He touched the lives of thousands of young musician, instilling a lifelong love of music in all of his students. Many went on to become music educators or professional musicians. It is with great fondness his former students remember him. Terry taught music in the Oxford Hills system, SAD 74, Carrabec , and the Rumford school system.

Terry was very active in many ensembles throughout Maine. a man very much respected by his colleagues as both a musician and music educator, Terry held many leadership roles. Among them were president of the Maine Music Educator’s Association and president of the Kennebec Valley Music Educator’s Association. His proudest honor was when the Mountain Valley High School yearbook was dedicated to him in 2005.

His beautiful daughter Lila was the light of his life. Many wonderful days were spent as a family on their farm and at the camp. He loved to watch her ride and was very proud of the young woman she became.

Terry is survived by his wife Becky of Norridgewock, his daughter Lila of Cornville; a special aunt, Patricia Eastman of Columbia, S.C., uncles Kenneth Eldridge of Portville, N.Y. and Jack Eastman of Virginia; very special cousins Charles and Carl Shipman of S.C.; Chris Shipman of Atlanta, GA, and Carolyn Hughes of Virginia.

Memorial Services will be announced later in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Skowhegan Area Music Boosters, C/O Cheryl McGowan, 155 Academy Circle, SAMS, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

Arrangements under the direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, Skowhegan, ME.