Gerard J. teRiele

Gerard J. teRiele (Jerry)

Born in Deventer, Holland on April 7, 1940, and was the 8th child of Theodore and Hendericka (Leerkes) teRiele. In 1952, following WWII, Jerry moved with his family to the United States and settled on Saddleback Mountain in Jay, NY. In 1955 they moved to a farm owned by Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga NY. Jerry worked on the farm with his father and bother Josef until 1981 when Josef and Jerry purchased a farm on the Old Dekalb Rd in Canton, NY. Jerry actively worked on the farm until August 2016, when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. After several months in the ICU in Syracuse, NY and rehabilitation center in Canton, NY he returned to his home in November, where his family took over care with the help of his caregiver Heather Fisher until his passing on February 13, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends as he passed peacefully.

Jerry loved being a farmer and was known for his ability to know just the right time to both plant and harvest. Although he never finished high school, his ability to engineer a solution to farm issues was unparalleled. He could simply figure out how to make it work. He loved passing on his experience to his children and grandchildren, and was happy to see the farm remain family operated. Jerry loved being surrounded by family and friends and loved a good family party, especially one with a good band.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Shirley (Arthur) teRiele, his ten children: Laura (Pat) Connors, Alice (Steven) Burgess, Shirley (Joe) Stone, Jerry (Ronda) teRiele, Richard (Jeri-Lynn) teRiele, Robert (Heather) teRiele, Marianne (Bryan) Meskill, James (Meghan) teRiele, Julie (Matthew) Conyer, Joanne (Ben Lacy) teRiele. Also surviving are his brothers John and Josef and his sisters Truus, Mary and Ricky as well as 25 grandchildren with one on the way and his 13 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way.

He was predeceased by his parent (Theodore and Hendericka teRiele), his brothers William, Bernard, Theodore, Anton and his sister Alberdina.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, P.O. Box 510; Potsdam, New York 13676 or a charity of your choice.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Court Street; Canton. Burial in the spring will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be share with the teRiele family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Gerard J. teRiele are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.