"Dear Melinda, Please accept our condolences at this time of grief. May your memories of Dan bring comfort and peace to you and your family. Evelyn & Modele Clarke"
In loving memory of
Daniel Paul Terpening
October 8, 1941 - October 28, 2020
Daniel Paul Terpening, 79, a lifelong resident of the Town of Esopus, NY, passed peacefully at home with family beside him on Wednesday October 28, 2020. Born on October 8, 1941 in Ulster Park, he was the son of the late Daniel and Edith (Petersen) Terpening.
A graduate of Kingston High School, Class of 1959 and Albany Business College, he began his career at DeWitt Cadillac & Oldsmobile in Kingston. Dan then served in the US Army Reserves for 6 years, from 1963 until 1969, earning an Honorable Discharge.
Spending many years in banking, he worked for a number of local banks serving in a variety of capacities including head teller, branch manager and auditor. In 2013, he retired from the office of Esopus Town Assessor after nearly twenty years of service. His strong sense of community was expressed through a life of volunteerism.
A founder of the Klyne Esopus Historical Society, he held the position of President and remained an active member for most of his life. Serving on the Esopus Town Council, Consistory of the Reformed Church of Port Ewen, the Esopus Republican Party as well Lions Club, his belief and commitment to civic duty was nothing less than heroic.
An avid reader, Dan was deeply interested in and knowledgeable about New York State and local history. During the Town of Esopus bicentennial celebration, he narrated local history via a trolley tour. Several years ago, he was appointed the Town of Esopus Historian.
Having a keen insight, Dan was always trying to help wherever and whenever he could. He was a quiet humanitarian, touching many lives by his acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
He is survived by his wife Madalyn "Mitzi" Terpening, their 53 rd wedding anniversary was October 21st. He also leaves behind daughters Melinda (William) McKnight and Melanie (Peter) Marino, grandchildren William McKnight, Dakota and Chelsea Marino and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Paul Bryan Terpening and his brother Philip C. Terpening.
Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, the service will private with burial in Mount Marion Cemetery.
For those who wish, contributions in Dan's memory may be made to the Klyne Esopus Historical Society Museum, PO Box 751, Port Ewen, NY 12466. A tribute for Dan may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.
Tributes
"Dan was a sincere and dedicated individual to his church and community. He called it straight...you knew where he stood on issues, never hesitant to express his opinion. Since I knew Dan primarily in the church, I had the opportunity to witness his thoughtfulness and concern that the church do what it could for Port Ewen and Esopus. It was a pleasure to know him and my sincere sympathy goes out to Mitzi and the family."
"RIP my friend for you are with God now, Life everlasting Robert K. Schlichting"
"Mixie, Melinda, and Melanie, I was so sorry to hear about Danny. He was a really great guy. I have very fond memories of you guys coming up to visit Oswego and getting together. Danny was great person to talk with, and his love of history always made for great conversations. He was a very interesting guy, with a kind soul. My parents really liked him as well and always enjoyed your visits. He was one of the few people who could always seem to understand what my dad was talking about! He will be missed. Hang in there. Scott Crisafulli"
"We are sorry for your great loss. Dan was a good, wise, and kind man. We will miss him and his great smile. Kate and Alan"
"I am truly saddened by your loss! Everyone deserves the kind of love that Mitzi and Dan had! You are a true inspiration! God Bless your family during this time and in the upcoming days, weeks and months! Love and prayers Tammy"
"RIP Danny...a very quiet man, but would always talk to you and had a smile...Sincere condolences to the family..God Bless.."
"Dear Melinda & family, I am so very sorry to learn about Dan?s passing. My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Fondly, Janet Bellusci"
"Dear Melinda and family, please accept our sincere Condolences on the loss of your beloved Daniel. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Sincerely , Betty Stanzione and Joe Doreo "
"I'm so sorry for your, you are all in my prayers Pam Carle "
"Melinda, So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and ypur family. Sending prayers hugs and love Cheryl Jim and Michael "