Obituary of Terrance Lee Harrington

Terrance (Terry) Lee Harrington passed away suddenly on February 16, 2021. He was 65. He was born in Rochester, NY, on July 30, 1955. Terry is survived by his life-long partner, Marcia, their daughters Taylor (Matt Inglese) Harrington and Whitney (Carl) Sapp, and three grandchildren, Grayson, Kinsley and Evan Sapp. He also is survived by his brother, Todd. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry; mother, Rosemary; and sister, Linda Whitley.

Terry fought an excruciating battle with Parkinson’s Disease for over two decades. He was a very private person and was not often open about his struggles. It was devastating for a much-loved partner, father and friend to suffer so fully with zero reprieve. His family misses him terribly, but is comforted in knowing that his mind and his body are no longer fighting one another.
 

Terry was extremely funny, witty, intelligent, and a caring father and husband. Before this pervasive and lonely disease, he also was an avid golfer and skier, and enjoyed camping and hiking. He passed on his love of good music, appreciation for the natural world, and a commitment to community responsibility to his family and supported them in their lives and goals.

Terry attended graduate school at Virginia Tech, made the Roanoke Valley his home for over 30 years, and also lived in Yorktown and Lexington. He spent his career working for local communities as a planner and was very involved with the American Planning Association. He loved Virginia and his work took him throughout the state. 

Due to the current global pandemic, we will not hold a public memorial ceremony at this time. We will honor Terry’s life and birthday in a COVID-conscious celebration on Sat., July 31, 2021, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, which he loved so much. Please join us at 12:00 noon at the Roanoke Star to celebrate his life. 

Terry continued his commitment to community by donating his body to help advance Parkinson’s research. If you’d like to remember Terry at this time, consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Please hug those you love more tightly tonight - life and good health are precious. His family is pained by this great loss and will miss their Papa so much. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707.