Harry Michael Terreri

Harry Michael Terreri was known to most as Michael, to some as Kelly, and to all as a witty, kind, and compassionate soul. He was born in New Jersey on November 3, 1942, and lived out his childhood in Cedar Knolls with his parents, Amerigo (Harry) and Elizabeth, and his older brother Paul. Michael was a little leaguer, an altar boy, and a lover of music. He was drafted into the Army at age 23 and served his country for two years as an information specialist in France and England (Burtonwood). Even in the midst of war, Michael came away from that experience with dear and lifelong friends, and with experiences that he retold up until his final days. 

He studied at Fairleigh Dickenson University, receiving a master’s degree in English. He worked at an advertising agency before the war, and upon returning he worked for most of his career at Prudential, providing insurance to families that were more than just his clients, they were his friends. He taught English at the same university that he graduated from, and later he began teaching insurance and estate planning at area insurance schools. It was in one of these classes that he met his sweetheart and wife, Leila. 

Michael loved music and played guitar in pubs from time to time. He played piano by ear, and his Hunterdon County New Jersey home where he raised his two children was often filled with sounds of guitar, piano, or his beloved records, of which still grace his home. Michael passed on his love of music to his daughter Laurel, who is currently a music therapist working with children with cancer and other illnesses.

Michael was known for his uncanny ability to remember jokes and told them to anyone who would listen. He didn’t seem to mind the eye rolls that would inevitably follow most of his “dad jokes”, and he would give the same back to folks that tried to best his worst! Even throughout his treatments he would often make jokes and always maintained a positive attitude. 

Michael had a way with people. He had many experiences such as being saved from missing a flight, or getting upgraded to first class, all because of his ability to connect and leave an impression on people that he would meet. 

Although soft-spoken, Michael loved being a part of his found family, taking part in celebrations with his wife and her large family, even joining in on a dance or two. Michael loved to go fishing, loved traveling, and enjoyed attending concerts with Leila. Michael learned to cook special foods important to Leila, and also enjoyed baking bread, bagels, and cookies, and whipping up delicious dinners on any given night.

Michael always had a smile, a kind word, or a joke for all that loved him. Even up to his final days, he would express his love with the American Sign Language sign for “I love you”. He was loved beyond measure, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly.

On January 8, 2025, Michael (82) died while being held in loving presence by his wife Leila and his daughter Laurel, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and complications from the disease. His absence will forever leave an unfillable hole in the lives of those closest to him. 

Michael is pre-deceased by his mother Elizabeth, his father Amerigo (Harry), and his brother Paul. He is survived by his wife Leila, his daughter Laurel, his daughter in-law Caroline, his only grandchild Amelia, his son Dylan, and his three nieces: Susan (daughter Charlotte), Janet (children Emily, Christopher, Olivia, and Gabriel), and Cathy.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation in memory of Harry Michael Terreri to Moffitt Cancer Center’s Thoracic-Lung Center of Excellence. https://fundraise.moffitt.org/give/563959/#!/donation/checkout

Services: Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 2PM to 5PM with a Memorial Service to start at 3PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.

“In my life, I’ve loved them all.” ~The Beatles