John J. Terruso, Sr., 78, died peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Spring Village Assisted Living in Peterborough, New Hampshire with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Jane Kathryn (Baldwin) Terruso with whom he shared 26 years of marriage prior to her passing on August 2, 2021.
John was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 1, 1946 and was the son of the late Castrenzi “Gus” Terruso and Mary F. (Vieira) Terruso. He received his education in the Billerica School System and was a graduate of Billerica High School with the class of 1964.
For over 50 years, John proudly was employed by Raytheon as a mechanical designer where he was a member of teams that worked on the Sparrow and Patriot Missiles.
John has numerous passions throughout his lifetime, beginning with his love for music and playing the guitar at a young age. He owned and collected at least 12 guitars and played in a band in the 70’s. As he got older, a passion for cars and boats grew. He owned, restored, and detailed many Corvettes, but he had his special ones including his 40th anniversary edition Corvette.
He was an avid Star Trek, SciFi and horror movie fan. Never shying away from performing, karaoke and singing as “Johnny the T”. John loved to travel to the Bahamas frequently, and even contemplated purchasing a second home there. He would always rescue dogs there and bring them home to ensure they had a loving home. Above all, his most cherished time was spent with his family and his late dog, Bengie.
John is survived by his three children, John Terruso, Jr. and his wife Kristine of Merrimack, Stephen Terruso of Nashua, and Christina Terruso of Nashua; their mother Sandra; his seven grandchildren, Jesse and his wife Sara, Dylon, Ryan, Matthew, Olivia, Alyssa, and Shania. He is also survived by his six step-children, Eugene Sullivan III and his wife Pamela, Kim Reddy and her husband John, Jame Sullivan and his wife Elizabeth, Kathleen Sarver-Glejzer and her husband Paul, Debora Greenblatt and her husband Josh and Danielle Sullivan; his brother James Terruso of South Hampton, NH; as well as nieces, nephews, and other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Jane, he was predeceased by his sister, Anna Petullo.
Relatives and friends are invited to John’s visitation on FRIDAY, September 27th from 9 AM until 10 AM in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 W Hollis Street, Nashua. His Funeral Mass will follow in the church at 10 AM. His interment will take place in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury at 1:30 PM. Donations may be made in John’s name to Operation Delta Dog, 19G Clinton Drive, Hollis, NH 03049. Arrangement entrusted to the care of ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John J. Terruso, Sr., please visit our floral store.