Obituary of Benjamin Terranova

Benjamin "Wayne" Terranova, 69, passed away May 11, 2016 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with lung disease. He was born in Gloversville on January 21, 1947 to the late Benjamin and Grace Terranova. Wayne attended Gloversville schools and served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1967-1968, being honorably discharged. Although he was not one for reliving old war stories, he always remained passionate about veterans' issues and showed great patriotism. Wayne also served as President of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 91 from 1980-1984. He was the sole owner and operator of a reputable auto body repair business (Wayne's Body Shop) in Gloversville from the early 1970's until his retirement in 2011. Wayne married his childhood sweetheart and loving wife, Jacquelyn, whom he had met at age 11, on January 28, 1968. Together they raised a family of four precious daughters and created a lifetime of wonderful memories. He had a great love for classic Oldsmobile's; enjoyed building model cars and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan that enjoyed watching NASCAR races every Sunday with his family. Wayne enjoyed the companionship of his two beloved dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. Before becoming ill, he was known by many for his Elvis impersonations at family weddings and other gatherings. Most of all, Wayne was known as a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and a great friend to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his beloved wife of 48 years Jacquelyn (Decker) Terranova; daughters Kristy Wagar (Don), Melissa Watson (Rick), Lisa Roth (Matt) and Carrie O'Dell; grandchildren Christopher Glover, Cameron and Miranda Wagar, Julia and Damien Roth and Hunter and Ava O'Dell; great grandson Jack Glover; step-grandchildren Jason, Nicholas and Dustin Watson; sister Donna Terranova; brothers Phil Terranova (Patricia) and Joseph Terranova; niece Sherri Terranova and several cousins. Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 1-4 P.M. at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. A service to celebrate Wayne's life will take place on Monday, May 16 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. RW Williams officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Wayne's memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville. Online condolences for the Terranova family are available at www.brbsfuneral.com