Terry L. Hurlburt of Cuba, NY passed peacefully in his sleep on Jan 15, 2025, age 72 in Erie, PA.Born November 8, 1952 in Olean, NY to William and Anna Bertha Mott Hurlburt, Terry loved the rural life he was born into and spent his life in Hinsdale and Cuba, though he traveled widely whenever he had the opportunity. Terry’s childhood was spent on his parents Hinsdale farm, baling hay, hunting, fixing equipment, riding ponies and horses, playing basketball and developed a lifelong love for classic vehicles. His nickname on the court was “Big T”.
Terry graduated from Hinsdale high school in 1970 and Alfred
State College in 1972. The same year he
married Cathy Swift on Sept 8, 1972.
Terry worked at Acme Electric from 1973-1975 as a draftsman. Terry and Cathy purchased a farm in Cuba in
1973 and began milking cows in an old tie stall barn. They raised five daughters on the farm.
In 1981 the milking barn burnt, following which Terry built
a beautiful modern barn. This launched
his career as a barn builder. Over the
next 20 years Terry built many barns for other farmers in the area. As farming waned Terry became a timber buyer
and consultant, dug ponds, bought and sold equipment and developed land. He was a rural renaissance man, wheeler
dealer and a hometown philosopher. He
worked everyday happenings and local characters into rich stories and
aphorisms. He could build anything,
though he would joke that he refused to use “any tool smaller than a chainsaw”,
weld anything, fix anything, or at least tell you in great detail how you
should do it. Terry always had a story,
a joke and a never-ending roster of projects.
In Terry’s prime he frequented every auction and fish fry in a
three-county radius, always scouting for the next deal, next project, next new
friend and next story.
Terry and Cathy parted ways in 1998, following which Terry
settled on a nearby farm. Terry filled
his house with friends, neighbors and family. In 2002 Terry met and wooed
Brenda White, a Black Creek native. After her passing, Brenda remained in
Terry’s heart.
In later years, Terry struggled with his health and became a
favorite amongst health care staff. Many
of the staff who worked with him have reached out with stories since his
passing. Terry and his daughters were appreciative of everyone that helped with
his specialized care.
Terry is survived by his mother Anna Hurlburt and brother,
William ‘Billy’ Hurlburt (Marlea). 5 beloved daughters, Amie Peck (Heather),
Tracy Dibble (Shawn), Sara Jones (Nicholas), Ashley Biagini (Tony) and Kelly
Hurlburt (Ryan). 17 grandchildren and one great-grandson, whom Terry got to
meet a few weeks before passing. Also
mourning is Terry’s beloved cat Kitty.
Terry leaves a giant hole in his family and in our
community. But he also leaves us with a
lifetime of stories, sayings, quotes and memories. Terry closed every conversation by saying “Ta
Ta, Love you.” In recent years he added, “It bee Ok” to end all text
conversations.
Ta Ta Terry. Love
you, It bee OK.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the
Ischua Volunteer Fire Department or the Lyndon Volunteer Fire Department.
A celebration of Terry's life will be at the discretion of
the family at a later date.
Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker
Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
