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<em>William Arthur Terrio</em> was born to an all-Navy family in Medford, MA, the son of Alexis and Elizabeth (Ross) Terrio. In 1931, they moved to Long Beach, CA, and later Bill lived in China, the Philippines, and other plac­es where his father was stationed. Following an assignment in Pensacola, FL, his father went to sea, and the family moved to Malden, MA, to live with relatives. There, Bill attended his first year of high school, but when his father returned, the family moved to Astoria, OR, where Bill completed high school.</p>
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After high school, Bill attended Long Beach City College in California, briefly at­tended Notre Dame University, then returned to LBCC. Two important things occurred while Bill was in college. First, his father re­tired from the Navy as a lieutenant com­mander and began work for Douglas Aircraft Corporation. Second, Bill became interested in the Naval Academy. After an illness de­nied that avenue, Bill sought and won a West Point appointment from Congressman Clyde Doyle. Interestingly, the Naval Academy re­versed course and offered Bill admission, but he chose West Point. Initially, he was con­cerned his father would be disappointed, but his father said he couldn’t be more proud and that it was time for a change!</p>
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Late in the warm afternoon of 3 Jul 1951 at Battle Monument, Bill and his new class­mates were sworn in as New Cadets. After Beast Barracks, Bill was assigned to Company F, 1st Regiment, and began the tough grind of Plebe academics. His focus was always on graduation, but he found time that year for the Catholic choir and fencing (saber), earn­ing numerals. He continued both activities Yearling year, earning a fencing monogram, and also became active in the French Club. As a firstie, Bill was promoted to sergeant, joined the Forum, and found time for golf and pis­tol. The <em>Howitzer</em> notes his classmates enjoyed his keen sense of humor and love of jokes. Bill also enjoyed good times in New York City.</p>
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On 3 Jun 1955, Bill was commissioned into the Artillery and graduated from West Point four days later. After branch school at Ft. Sill, OK, Bill won paratrooper wings at Ft. Benning, GA, and reported to Ft. Lewis, WA. In 1960, after further branch schooling, he and many classmates found themselves in Korea, where Bill served with 5th Battalion, 42d Field Artillery. Shortly after returning to CONUS, Bill volunteered for USAREUR for service with 5th Missile Battalion at Aschaffenburg, Federal Republic of Germany. Here, Bill found Marilyn Doerfler teaching in the Department of Defense school system. On 17 Apr 1962, they were married in Rota, Spain.</p>
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Bill then transferred to the Ordnance Corps. In 1964, after attending the Ordnance School, he was assigned to Ft. Hood, TX. Bill’s and Marilyn’s daughter Corinne had been born in Nebraska while Bill attended Ordnance School, and their son Tom was born in 1965 at Ft. Hood. During 1965–66, Bill served in Viet Nam and, in late 1966, became advisor to the Iowa Army National Guard for three years. During this assign­ment, some of Bill’s duties brought him in di­rect contact with military families grieving the loss of family members. His compassion and concerns were evident in personal letters and telephone conversations during those years.</p>
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Subsequently, Bill served a second tour at Ft. Hood before returning to Korea in 1971. During 1972–74, Bill served at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Before retiring in 1979, his last duty station was at USAREUR Headquarters in the Pershing missile Project Managers Office. During this assignment, he studied German through University of Maryland courses and earned his master’s degree in inter­national relations from Boston University, both efforts accomplished through night courses.</p>
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After retirement, Bill and Marilyn remained in Germany and moved to St. Leon, near Heidelberg. He became a registered representa­tive for Financial Planners Equity Corporation and joined the Masonic Lodge, while Marilyn continued teaching in the Department of Defense schools. Their children remained in Heidelberg schools and subsequently entered the University of Maryland overseas program. In June 1993, Bill and Marilyn left Germany and settled in Washington State. Their last trip in Europe was to the Czech Republic for its Independence Day.</p>
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Throughout his retirement, Bill remained active in veteran’s organizations (American Legion and VFW and, while in Germany, the 40 & 8 Association). In addition to financial consulting, Bill pursued interests in the travel business. Other interests were BPO Elks mem­bership, reading, crossword puzzles, golf, and anything to do with family, such as camping, fishing, skiing, and Volksmarching. He espe­cially relished Washington State and visits to Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Bill loved a good conversation, especially a lively debate. He and Marilyn’s brother, both knowledgeable men, enjoyed debating each other on any subject.</p>
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In 1998, just a year before his death, Bill and Marilyn were blessed with grandson Liam Terrios birth. At the same time, Bill became an Irish (as well as American) citizen by virtue of his grandmother’s Irish birth. He delighted in being “Opa” and singing “Irish Lullaby” to Liam. Sadly, Bill missed the joy of his second grandchild, Alexis, born in 2000.</p>
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On 31 Jan 1999, Bill passed away at Seattle’s Swedish Hospital, 19 days after by-pass sur­gery for coronary heart disease. His ashes were scattered at Deception Point, Whidbey Island, WA, one of his favorite places, while Naval Air Station fighters flew overhead. His name was placed on a memorial plaque at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.</p>
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Throughout his life, Bill remained true to West Point and the many morals and values he learned as a cadet. He was proudest of his West Point experience, of being a graduate, and of his military life.</p>
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<em>Classmate Don Andrews and Bill’s loving family</em></p>