WILLIAM TERENCE ZERI (TERRY)

William Terence Zeri (Terry) died at home of natural causes December 7, 2021 in Bellingham, WA. Terry was born July 11, 1943 in Villa Park, Illinois.

Terry graduated University of New Mexico with a Bachelors in Art/Education in 1967 and a Masters in Art/English in 1977. In 2000, at age 56, he earned a second Masters in Psych-counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico and began a new profession as a therapist at the Life Healing Center.

Terry served in the US Air Force from 1968-1982. Terry was an F-4 Pilot, a T-38 Test Pilot-Instructor and instructor Pilot at the US Air Force Academy. He finished his pilot career as a C-5 Transport Pilot. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 2 silver and 3 bronze, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Viet Nam Service medal with 3 bronze.

Terry’s artistry and skills with his hands played out over the years with his love for vintage motorcycles and model railroads. In his retirement years Terry rebuilt 8 vintage motorcycles. He was a lifelong HO gauge model railroader and had recently completed a model of his hometown in Illinois.

Terry loved his family, the outdoors and the mystery of outer space. He is survived by Bernadette Prinster, his spouse of 45 years and three children; Kelly Zeri of Basalt, CO, Jennifer Zeri of Bellingham, WA and Jason Prinster of Bend, OR and a brother Mathias Zeri of Albuquerque, Steve Zeri of Rocks Springs, WY and a sister, Patricia Kunz, of Dallas, TX.