On Aug. 9, 2026, Dennis Homan Terry of Edgecomb, Maine, beloved fiancé of Patricia Stauble for 12 years, passed away at the age of 88.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Terry and Ruth Terry.

“Den” was born March 14, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in nearby Douglaston. On weekends, he and his family spent time at a family home out east on Long Island in Blue Point. Den was an inquisitive child with a great sense of adventure. He loved trains, which endured throughout his life. He enjoyed swimming, ice skating, and skiing. He worked at Carvel Ice Cream and loved raspberry milkshakes. He played the saxophone in high school. After graduating from Douglaston High School, he worked as a lifeguard on a Long Island beach. While attending Tufts University, he earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy through competitive examination and entered the Academy the following year.

“Variety is the spice of life” was a quote of his in his senior Naval Academy yearbook. Following graduation, he served aboard the USS Joseph K. Taussig and the USS Noa which was the ship that recovered astronaut John Glenn and his capsule after splashdown. Also, Den taught at Penn State and while in the Navy, Den fulfilled a longtime aspiration of flying, and soloed in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Den began working as a railroader after serving in the Navy. His accomplishments included designing a refrigerator car for potatoes, including a car with a tater tot logo on its exterior. Model railroading was also a hobby he enjoyed his entire life, preferring Lionel O gauge in his layouts.

Den had two children, Susan and Gregory, and would include them on his adventures, such as skiing and trips to New York City. Den came home to Blue Point in his forties and took them on a 90-foot sailing vessel roundtrip from Montauk, New York to Block Island, Rhode Island. The crew enjoyed Den’s company so much that they enlisted him to help sail the vessel from Miami to the Southern Caribbean. Den navigated by the stars, drawing on skills learned at the Naval Academy.

A bit later in life, Den moved to Virginia. There he sang in the choir at church and worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad. Having previously served in traditional corporate roles, Den was thrilled to work as a conductor and an engineer, fulfilling a life-long dream of operating locomotives.  

As a child, he and his family vacationed in Maine every summer, which he cherished, and in 2005, Den moved to Maine, where he spent the rest of his life. He loved making blueberry pancakes at his home in Owls Head. In the Rockland area, he served as a conductor aboard a Polar Express train during the holiday season.

In 2014 Den met Patricia Stauble. “Pat” and Den hit it off immediately, having much in common. Den helped Pat with her antique business of 60 years with clients from all over the country. The customers really enjoyed working with Den as he was so helpful and professional. Also, Den and Pat loved working on their garden together at their home in Edgecomb.

Den was a kind and caring person who enjoyed carrying on in conversation with others, including friends made in his years living in Maine.

Den is survived by his fiancé Patricia Stauble; his daughter Susan Terry; his son Gregory Terry; his grandson Jake Terry; his granddaughter Nicole Terry; his sister Sybil Monsell; and his niece Beth Falabella.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences and messages for his family may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.