John Terwilliger

John M. “Jack” Terwilliger, 81, of Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, New York passed away Wednesday evening October 30, 2013 at Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in Amsterdam.

Born in Utica, New York, he was the son of the late Eugene and Beatrice Rogers Terwilliger.

Jack received his elementary education in Tribes Hill, New York and graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School in Amsterdam.

Jack was a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving from 1952 to 1954.

He was employed and retired as a crane operator from the Steam Turbine Division of General Electric in Schenectady, New York. After retirement he worked for the Amsterdam Recreation Department as a caretaker at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam.

Jack was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam. He was also a member of the John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701 and the P.A.V. both in Amsterdam.

Jack is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Case Terwilliger to whom he married April 23, 1960, three sons, Michael (Sue) Terwilliger of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, Jim (Heather) Terwilliger of Broadalbin, New York and Rick (Erika) Terwilliger of Albany, New York, one Brother, Milton (Linora) Terwilliger of Scotia, New York, five grandchildren, Sean, Jack, Sophie, Kara and Jacob Terwilliger. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

If you measure a man by the people he’s touched then Jack Terwilliger was a very rich man. Always there if family or friend was in need. Not perfect…no one is… but as a husband and father and grandfather he was bedrock. His kind heart and hardworking spirit will stay with everyone who had a chance to meet him along the way--teaching us a lesson about compassion without ever meaning to.

Funeral services will be held 10:15 Wednesday morning November 6, 2013 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, New York

Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial Contributions in Jack’s name may be made to “Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders” 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208 or to Leatherstocking Honor Flight, P.O. Box 621 Cobleskill, New York 12043.