Obituary of Terrence E. Sholek

Terrence (Terry) S. Sholek, age 70, passed away on March 11, 2012 at John U. Lloyd State Park, Dania Beach, Florida. The cause of death was accidental drowning. Terry was born on September 30, 1941 in Utica, NY. He was predeceased by his mother Sylvia (Zelda) Dumain Sholek (6-15-79), father Edward Sholek (nee Wszalek) (10-2-96), and sister Beverly Jeanne Brockner (6-1-11) in Naples,Florida. Terry's places of residence were Brooklyn NY, Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Rome NY. He is survived by his nephew Michael (wife Brooke) Brockner, Florida, aunts Jane Furgal and Dolores Wszalek, several cousins and many, many friends. Terry attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School, John F. Hughes Public School, Utica NY, Rome Public Schools, and St Aloysius Academy, graduating in June 1959. He graduated from MVCC (MVTI) in Art and Advertising 1961, BA from CUNY Brooklyn College 1972, Masters in Library Science, Queens College, 1976. Terry worked at Griffiss AFB, MVCC Library, and Albany as a NYS Civil Service Clerk. He retired from City of NY, Department of Sanitation Medical Division (29 years) and as a Registered Nurse, Brooklyn VA Hospital. Terry was first and foremost an artist (and poet) sharing his etchings with his many friends and family. He was the "unofficial family historian" and treasured his younger years with his paternal grandparents, Barbara and John Wszalek and family on Nichols St. in Utica NY. He was also close to and inspired by his artistically talented mother. Terry was an avid gardener, and a beach, sun, and swimming aficionado at Delta Lake, Coney Island, NY, Florida and Puerto Rico beaches. Terry also enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and sports. "I was able to work, have my own apartment, be independent, support myself, go to school and educate myself for three careers, travel, have wonderful family, friends, and associates." "Life is a gift from God - Enjoy it - Don't abuse it - Don't waste time - Time is too precious." A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 11, 2012, at 1:00 PM at St. Peter's Church, Rome. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Whitestown, NY. Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut St., Rome, Friday 10am to 12 noon. Memorial contributions may be made in Terry's name to the Mohawk Valley Community College Art or Library Science Departments, 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica 13501, or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County to be used for gardening educational programs (121 Second St., Oriskany, NY 13424; phone:315-736-3394) "Remember your roots." Thank you.