Newark: Terrence L McCall, 74, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Terrence was born on June 10, 1951 in Gladewater, Texas to Eunice and George McCall. He was one of seven siblings who grew up in Sodus, New York. He graduated from Sodus Central High School in 1969. After graduating he served as a Signalman in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Sailor of the Month in July 1972 while serving aboard the USS Nitro AE-23.
After his service in the military, he made his home on Port Bay, in Wolcott, New York, where he obtained his Captain’s License and founded Big Lake Charters. He was involved in the establishment of the current Wolcott Medical Center and worked as an administrator. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and camping throughout New York, and especially in the Adirondacks. He married Anya Ritter (Tcheprakow) on May 16, 1975. He became a father figure for her daughter Lisa and raised her as “his own”.
Around 1986 he moved to Ocala, Florida where he worked at Act II Realty as a Realtor. As Wayne County was always “home”, he relocated with his family back to the Sodus/Newark area. Here he worked as a substitute teacher while deciding his next path in life. It was at this time that he started working for the Finger Lakes DDSO, achieving the level of a Developmental Assistant II. Terry found his true calling, achieving many awards and accolades as he followed this career path over the next twenty six years. He always went above and beyond, and would give the proverbial shirt off his back to anyone in need. He would often work Holidays and come up with creative and special events for his residents. He was honored to be awarded an Direct Service Personnel of the Year Award for New York State prior to his retirement.
He enjoyed spending his retirement traveling to Florida to visit his sister, Catharine (Kit) and Dennis Shipman, gardening, and occasionally still fishing. Always finding enjoyment in the presence of children, he loved to shower his nieces, nephews, and their children with gifts and surprises whether around a Holiday or “just because”.
He was predeceased by his wife, Anya, sister Gertrude Allen and brother-in-law Walter Allen Sr., of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and his parents, Eunice and George McCall of Sodus, New York.
He is survived by his son, Terrence of Newark, New York; daughter, Lisa (Paul) Johnson of Newark, New York; granddaughter, Emily Johnson of Austin, Texas; grandsons, Timothy (Taylor) Johnson of Newark, New York, and Dr. Matthew Johnson, MD (Sarah), with great-grandchildren David, Benjamin, and Elizabeth of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; brothers, Michael (Shelly) McCall of Montana and George (Marti) McCall of Ocala, Florida; sisters, Elizabeth (Steve) Bethel of North Rose, New York, Catharine (Dennis) Shipman of Ocala, Florida, and Merry McCall of Phelps, New York; along with several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
He truly enjoyed the family get together, whether it be for the Holidays or “just because”. In this regard, in lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Life and family gathering will be held at a date to be determined in the future, as he would have enjoyed.
Please write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting
www.watermanfuneralhome.com
