Terry Joseph Slattery

The Beloved Terry Joseph Slattery, 65, of Cape Girardeau, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home with his wife by his side. He was born April 11, 1954 in Perryville, Missouri and was the son of Doris Ann Slattery (Abernathy). He was adopted by his father, Donald Francis Slattery who currently resides in Texas. He attended Cape Central High School where he lettered in Football and Track and went on to compete for the Southeast Indians as a wide receiver from 1972-1976. He was the leading receiver in 1975 with 28 catches and 471 yards. He graduated from SEMO with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1976. On July 10, 1982, Terry and Annette Grupas were married at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. He was the love of her life. They were married for 37 years and raised a loving family here. He started working for Howards Athletic Goods Company in 1984 and purchased the store in 2013. He supplied Cape youths with all their sporting equipment needs and made many friends before retiring in July 2019. He was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church, a former member of the Cape Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and was awarded the Youth Sports Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Terry loved his family, especially his sons Patrick (Stephanie) and Blake (Mandi Wood) who brought him great joy while coaching and watching their sports. He loved playing Play-Doh and coloring with his granddaughter Adi and holding his grandson Brady. Their annual family vacations to Breckenridge, CO that included eating, hiking, and biking in the mountains, made him smile and sometimes grumble. Some of his other hobbies included grilling for Sunday family dinners, playing golf with his sons, and watching or listening to SEMO and Cardinal baseball. He was a quiet and mischievous jokester who always got a laugh with his subtle humor. He was kind and good-hearted and always ready to lend a helping hand with home improvement projects to family and friends. Survivors include his wife, two sons, two grandchildren, father, siblings Larry (Mary Ann), Tim (Dana), John (Morgan), Sharon Meyer (Rick) and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Doris and brother Jerry. A private family visitation will take place Tuesday, April 14, followed by a graveside committal service at St. Mary's Cemetery by Father Brian Straus. Because of Covid-19 concerns and state mandates, a Mass of Resurrection and reception for the public will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Brain Tumor Association (abta.org) or Southeast Hospice (sehealth.org). Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneral.com.

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Terry Joseph Slattery

April 11, 1954 - April 8, 2020