November 10, 2008
Carmelo “Charles” Terranova, 86; died Monday at his Fulton home surrounded by his family. As a faithful Marine, he died on the Marine Corps Birthday. He was born in Fulton and he has been a resident of Fulton for all of his life. Mr. Terranova enlisted in the United States Marines December 15, 1941. He served 4 years in 3rd. Battalion of the 1st. Marines and spent 2 ½ years overseas. He was in the first wave of Marines who landed on Guadalcanal, August 7, 1942. Before he returned to the states he was in the battle for Cape Gloucester. Finschhafer, New Guinea and the Battle of Peleliu. He was wounded on Peleliu and received the Purple Heart. He received the Bronze Star 48 years later in May of 1992 for Bravery beyond the call of duty. He was a member of the 10th Tank Battalion of Syracuse, NY and was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. After being discharged Mr. Terranova worked for 39 years with the Nestle Company retiring in January 1985. He was a life member of the marine Corp League, and the Fulton VFW Post #569. Mr. Terranova was pre-deceased by his son Joseph Terranova in 1992. He is survived by his wife of 62 years the former Joan Thompson Terranova, his daughter Donna Seeber of Clay, NY; 2 sons Harold (Pam) Terranova of FL., and Terry (Sharon) Terranova of CO, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his special niece Helen Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday 10:30 from the Sugar Funeral Home and 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton. Calling hours will be held Friday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Sugar Funeral Home, Inc., 224 W. 2nd St. S. Fulton. Contributions may be made to the Friends of Oswego County Hospice PO Box 1320, Oswego, NY, or the Disabled American Veterans, 200 North Second Street, Fulton NY 13069.
Thank you for your service and your sacrifices in the Pacific to protect us and set other men and women free. Rest in Peace, Marine, and God Bless. Semper Fi.
This man must have not only been a war hero and SUPER BRAVE! He was a heck of a craftsman as well! I personally came upon 2 hand carved wooden canteen type bottles stamped “Made by Charles Terranova, Fulton NyY” along with his previous phone number on them! This is pretty stinking neat!! I would be curious to know if they are worth something? If not money, MOST DEF the respect and honor of knowing that I have in my hands the true craftsmanship of a great American War Hero!!! One day Mr. Charles!! I will thank you sir!!