Terry D. Chapman

2/20/26

Terry D. Chapman

2/6/51 - 2/20/26

On Friday, February 20, 2026, we lost a legend. Whether you were a colleague, a peer, a friend, or a family member, if you knew Terry D Chapman, you knew laughter. A lifelong resident of the area, he left his mark in many ways.

After attending Skaneateles High School and graduating from Jordan Eldridge High School, he tried his hand at a number of jobs before finding his true calling in carpentry. Under the tutelage of some of the area’s finest—most notably, Scoop Baker—he honed his craft. Terry spent many years alongside Scoop, mastering his craft and developing a lifelong friendship, before finally stepping out on his own in the early 1980s. Through tireless work, he built a successful business that allowed him to provide a life for his family he never dreamed possible.

Through the years, he grew increasingly proud to be a member of the local “band of brothers”—the tight-knit community of tradesmen who always had each other’s backs. Whether a plumber needed a carpenter, a carpenter needed an electrician, or a mason needed a few strong hands, we watched Terry call in favors as often as he freely returned them. Many of his colleagues had passed on or retired, but with his crazy sense of humor and undeniable carpentry skills, Terry remained relevant, developing strong working relationships with the younger generation of tradesmen.

To those of you still out there building, fixing, and developing, please know that up until the very end, he was asking when he could get back to work and rejoin you guys. But with a heavy heart, and with his loving family by his side, he finally had to hang up the hammer for good. Like he would say about those he respected, we can also say about him: Dad, you too were a real “work animal.” Work ethic and laughter are the two most important things he taught those of us that loved him.

Terry is predeceased by his mother and father, Donald and Elizabeth, his sister and her husband, Donna and Duane Sherman, his brother-in-law, Phil Wright, and one of his greatest loves, his cat: Kitty.

He is survived by his sister, Kim Wright, brother, Ron (Karen), sons, Peter (Melissa) and Michael, daughters, Angie Usowski (Mark) and Ashley Noga (Ryan), stepson, Ryan Charles (Sarrah), ten grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, “The Pirates,” legions of friends, and the love of his life, wife Teresa. Terri made him a better man. As a couple, they became famous, known simply as “Ma and Pa.” Together, they laughed, explored, and brought light to all those they touched.

Per Terry’s request, there will be no services. Instead, he wanted… you guessed it, a party. In the spring, we will celebrate Terry Donald Chapman. Until then, listen for the laughter.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.