Terry Neil Fralick, 74, of Walworth NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19th in the arms of his loving wife and children.

Terry was born on January 14th, 1951, in Watertown, NY. He was the son of Helen E. "Hart" Fralick and Neil O. Fralick who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, David C. Fisk of Watertown, NY.

He is survived by his wife of 50 + years, Elizabeth T. "Strauss" Fralick of Walworth, NY; children, Heather E. Fralick (Chris E. Roberts) of Seattle, WA and Neil F. (Ashley L. "Aman") Fralick of Walworth, NY; grandchildren, Clark (Heather and Chris' son) of Seattle, WA, Owen, Camden, and Delaney (Neil and Ashley's children) of Walworth, NY; sister, Charlene A. "Fralick" Fisk of Watertown, NY; and many wonderful cousins.

Terry grew up with three of his cousins in their two-family home on the Fralick Farm on Swan Road. He also spent much of his youth with his grandparents, Thelma and Hubert, on the Hart Farm on Route 232. Terry loved to tell stories about his childhood as a farm boy who spent his free time traipsing in the woods of Northern New York looking for arrowheads and rocks, when he wasn't on the tractor or doing other farm chores.  The work ethic Terry learned on the family farms instilled grit and determination leading to his focus on academics as well as perseverance in athletics playing basketball and running track for South Jefferson CSD. Basketball remained a passion throughout his life.

Terry attended Hartwick College and Purdue University pursuing his bachelor's and master's degrees in history and geology. He became a petroleum geologist searching for oil in the "Wild Wild West".  Terry met Elizabeth at Hartwick College in 1972 and they were married in 1974. Due to working in the oil industry, Terry and Elizabeth moved frequently. After starting their family, Terry and Elizabeth decided to return to Watertown where he pursued a second career in education and began raising his herd of Longhorn Cattle. Terry attended night classes at SUNY Oswego where he earned a degree in education and a CAS in leadership. For the next 30 + years, Terry was an educator in Jefferson County. He was a coach, public school teacher, principal, and superintendent who advocated and believed in all kids, creating opportunities and second chances.

Terry volunteered as a Trustee for the Jefferson Community College Board, and a board member for the Thompson Park Zoo and Conservancy, Rotary Club of Watertown, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Terry had countless accomplishments in his lifetime. However, there was no award or recognition that surpassed his most prized, his family. He was always most proud when sharing about his children and his four cherished grandchildren. Terry loved the mountains, forests, beaches, and nearly every rock he saw. Terry was a strong, adventurous, humorous, hardworking, family man.

Terry loved to travel with Elizabeth, their children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed Walt Disney World, Hilton Head, Yellowstone National Park, and the Smithsonian Museums. Terry leaves behind a legacy of love, service, volunteering, and memories that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

The family is planning a celebration of life in Watertown. Further information will be provided when available.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Terry's memory to:

Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org

Thompson Park Zoo in Watertown, NY: https://zoonewyork.org/donate-1

To leave the family an online condolence or memory, please visit Terry's tribute wall at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

Alzheimer's Association
200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110, Rochester NY 14618
Tel: 1-800-272-3900
Web: http://www.alz.org

Thompson Park Zoo
1 Thompson Park, Watertown NY 13601
Tel: 1-315-782-6192
Web: https://zoonewyork.org/donate-1