Obituary of TERRENCE R. BLYSKAL

Terrence (Terry) Robert Blyskal of Wilmington, NC; formerly of Mahopac, NY and Valley Stream, NY,  passed away on July 1, 2021 at the age of 62 years old.

Terry was born on July 29, 1958 in Brooklyn, NY, the third of five children of Leonard and Theresa Blyskal. His early childhood was spent in Rosedale, NY, later moving to Valley Stream, NY where he lived in the family home until meeting the love of his life and starting a family of his own. Over the years, Terry’s desire to learn and his inspiration to educate others grew. He attended Nassau Community College and later became a proud graduate of CW Post University where he earned his master’s degree in Elementary and Special education. 
 
In 1985 Terry met his beloved wife Linda on vacation in the Hamptons where they continued to take many trips before getting married and starting their family. The couple married on November 21, 1987 in Mahopac, NY. They spent their first few years as newlyweds living in an apartment in Flushing, Queens where they welcomed their first child, a son, Daniel. In September of 1991 they bought their first house and moved to Mahopac, NY. There, they had two daughters, Nicole and Chantel. Many laughs were had and memories were made throughout the years between holidays, birthdays and graduation parties. Terry enjoyed the family’s time in  their home when the kids were young and playing in the tree house and when everyone was older laying out on the pool deck, both hand-built himself. Terry raised his 3 children with Linda in the Mahopac home and resided there until 2016. Throughout their 33 years of marriage, Terry always made it known and would repeatedly say that they were meant to be and he knew he was going to marry her from the second he saw her.

In addition to getting married, 1987 was a memorable year for Terry as he started teaching in the West Hempstead School District. There he was a beloved teacher and coach. He taught elementary and middle school and coached numerous sports including soccer, basketball, baseball and track. After coaching for the school in the afternoon, he would always make it back home in time to also coach his children's sports teams. Throughout his career in the West Hempstead School District, Terry received awards and recognition for the impact he made in the many lives of his students, athletes, and colleagues before retiring in 2016.

After retiring, Terry and Linda decided to join their children in North Carolina and they purchased a new home in the town of Wilmington, right by the beach which they both always enjoyed. Terry always said “I’m living the life.” During his time in Wilmington he enjoyed golfing, fishing, kayaking, walking their two dogs and substitute teaching for fun. Terry also explored  his creativity and craftsmanship, making beautiful tables from pallet-wood and detailed birdhouses for his garden. Although Terry only got to enjoy five years of retirement before facing his battle with cancer, they were years filled with many days on the beach with his family and friends and he truly enjoyed them to the fullest. During his life and even in his last hours, Terry made it known how grateful and fortunate he felt to have lived the life he had lived.

Terry is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Daniel, Nicole, and Chantel; mother, Theresa Blyskal; siblings Stephen (Debbie) Blyskal, Gregory (Pam) Blyskal, Ronald (Joanie) Blyskal, Eileen (Tom) Rafferty; brother-in-law Bill Rundle; nieces and nephews. Terry is predeceased by his father Leonard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Terrence Blyskal to Duke Cancer Institute Fund https://www.gifts.duke.edu/medpp or
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/#!/donation/checkout