Stephen Joseph Terani Jr

Stephen Joseph Terani, Jr. age 86 passed away October 28, 2025 at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH surrounded by his loving family after a long struggle with dementia. He was born on December 5, 1938 in New Haven, CT to Stephen J. Terani, Sr. and Marguerite (Yost) Terani. He grew up in Hamden, CT in the family home his grandparents settled in when they arrived in the US from Italy.

Steve graduated from Hamden High School in 1956, then went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Maine graduating in 1960. He was in the ROTC Program at the University and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. After graduation he went to work for AVCO/TEXTRON SYSTEMS where he had a very rewarding and enjoyable 41-year career as an Aerospace Engineer. He especially enjoyed the companionship of his fellow employees and others he met and worked with and the travel experiences it afforded him. He was secretary for the Textron Retirees Association for several years. A special moment on one of these trips was meeting his wife Gayle, a Flight Attendant. They were married 10 months later on November 18, 1972 in Sandstone, MN. They had a loving and happy life together with their daughters for many years in Westford, MA and later retired to Washington, NH in 2009.

Steve found pleasure in boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, playing hockey and softball, maple sugaring, cutting and splitting wood and anything else he could do with his John Deere Tractor. He was a real caretaker and always wanted to give helpful advice and assistance. His love of softball brought him to coach pitching for his daughter, Kendra, and other young pitchers. He also enjoyed mentoring youth in the FIRST Robotics Program. He was respected for his work ethic and values and was very patriotic.

He attended and was active in Trinity Lutheran Church in Chelmsford, MA and Washington Congregational Church and East Washington Baptist Church in NH. He had a strong faith in his Lord and treasured time with his beloved family and many friends. He will be missed by many.

Steve is survived by his wife Gayle (Nelson) Terani, daughters, Charla Hixson (Steve), Kendra Hutchins (Corey). Grandchildren Jordan and Jacob Hutchins, and Evan and Annelise Hixson; many nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in laws; and many other loving family, friends and neighbors.

He is predeceased by his parents Stephen Terani, Sr. and Marguerite (Yost) Terani, sister Margaret Hobson and many other beloved relatives and friends.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” service at the Washington Congregation Church on November 14 at 12 Noon with a reception to follow at the Camp Morgan Lodge.

Any memorial gifts may be given to American Farmland Trust or Granite VNA Hospice House.

Services are under the care of Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home.www.holtwoodburyfh.com.