Terence Moritz

Terry, 81, passed away in Peoria, AZ on October 3, 2026 after a long battle of decreasing mobility and memory loss. He was born in Chicago, IL, on November 13, 1945, the second child of Michael and Mary Ellen Moritz. The family lived in Chicago throughout Terry’s childhood, and he attended St. Cajetan Elementary School and Brother Rice High School.

Terry was a “whiz” at math and attended Purdue University, graduating “cum laud” with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Not enthused about entering the workforce, he registered at Ohio State University in the master’s program. Terry received a master’s in mechanical engineering in 1967.

Diplomas in hand, Terry got jobs with various aerospace companies working on projects such as the development of F-14/15 fighter jets. However, these government contract positions lasted only until contracts were fulfilled. Looking for employment in a more stable industry, he accepted a job with Ford only to be laid off when the oil embargo happened. So, he turned to electrical utilities for a better chance at stable employment and was eventually hired by Arizona Public service where he worked for over 25 years. He loved this job, in part, because it offered him opportunities to get outdoors on projects.

Terry loved outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, sailing, traveling and gardening. With his family, he hiked up and down hills and valleys all over the southwest, biked thousands of miles and skied the slopes in SW Colorado. He enjoyed canoeing the streams and small rivers in Illinois and Michigan. AZ didn’t offer the same sort of opportunities, so he bought a Hobi catamaran. After the family was “catapulted” a few times from the trampoline into Lake Pleasant, he learned how to maneuver, which was far different from his previous monohull sailing boat. Luckily, the family and various friends survived!

When Terry found the home the family was to live in from 1978 till now, it was almost bare of bushes, plants, and trees. He wanted a beautiful, green backyard and so after years of planting and tending, a “resort-like” backyard was achieved. He loved lounging by the pool in the shade of the patio cover he built.

Terry also loved to read and could be found reading various science books and periodicals when at home in AZ or wherever he was resting.

In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his older brother and his wife, Dennis (Pamela) Moritz and sister-in-law, Madeline (Haslinger) Aldrich.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Regina, his son Carl and granddaughter Calysta, brother Michael (Ana) Moritz and sisters and brothers-in-law: Lamar Aldrich, Carol Sue (Richard) Arquette, Barbara Ann (Richard) Good, Urban (Diane) Haslinger and several nieces and nephews: Patrick (Chris) Aldrich, Nicole (David)Haghiri, Kelly Jo (Mike) Kelbley, Stacy (Shane) Bilger, Eric Arquette, Becky (Keith) Peery, Richard (Yani) Good, Bonnie (Tim) Fick, Jason Good, Matthew (Heather)Haslinger, Andrew Haslinger, Marissa Moritz (Carlos Diaz), and Christopher Moritz.

Visitation for Terence will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm on Thursday, October 15, at the Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Crematory, Gibsonburg before 1:15pm graveside services at Saints Michael and Lawrence Cemetery, Gibsonburg.