Terry W Zimirowski

Terry Walter Zimirowski, at the age of 81 was sent to his eternal home on June 20th 2025.  Terry passed away from on going medical conditions at the VA in West Roxbury Mass. He was the beloved son of Walter and Virginia Zimirowski. 

Loved by many, Terry was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, honesty, real integrity, and character.  His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Terry was born in Calais, Maine on September 15th 1943.

He moved to Peabody, Mass. when he was a child because his father got a job working for General Electric in Lynn, MA. Terry attended Peabody High School where he was a star athlete in basketball and baseball. After High school, Terry returned to Maine to attend College. He studied Forestry which taught him to navigate the forest and "cruise" for timber. He often spent several nights in the woods building shelters. While on an interim break from school, he found out he might be drafted into the military so he headed back to Peabody to seek advice from family/friends. He was told he had two choices: that if he was drafted he would only have to serve two years, but if he volunteered he would serve three. A couple of weeks later he went to Boston and joined the United States Army. 

Terry was sent to Fort Dix and Fort Brag. He came to love being a member of the Army and served for Eight years (re-enlisting twice).  After he registered for the special forces in 1965, he went to Germany for two years and then re-enlisted. While there in training, Terry would help teach skiing as a top-notch ski instructor to his special forces comrades. As a trained Green Beret, Airborne Ranger, he served time in Vietnam until a severe bout of malaria had him sent to Japan. In recovery he was asked where he wanted to go next--Terry chose Fort Devens because they had a Special Forces unit there. He was Honorably discharged in the Mid 1970's. 

After the Military, Terry proudly worked in Waste water treatment and then the Post Office for 21 years while he resided in Peabody, MA next door to his parents. Upon his retirement, Terry always wanted to stay busy so he worked part-time with his son,T.Christian's landscaping business for several years. Being the punctual guy he was, he would gladly get up in the early hours of the morning to beat the commute being on time and ready for a full day of work.    

Living in Norwood MA with his daughter, Cristi-Anna, who cared for him over the past 12 years, Terry loved being around all 4 of his grandchildren, watching them grow, attending school concerts, graduations and sporting events.  He would give them advice about maintaining a car, hitting the ball, fishing and tying a good knot.  Terry was often seen on the sidelines of his granddaughters field hockey and softball games, cheering with all his might and juggling with his binoculars because of his poor sight. He was very delighted to be their "Grampa Zim". 

Some of Terry's fondest memories were summers spent at his family camp on Pleasant Lake in Alexander, ME. Here you would find him spending countless hours fishing, canoeing, swimming and tinkering around with his tools and welder fixing things; this was how he "relaxed".  His greatest passions were playing competitive league billiards and skiing which he also taught to his family and friends.  At the very heart of his nature was his love for making people around him laugh by telling his gregarious stories and funny jokes.

Terry will be remembered as a kind, supportive and genuine hard-working man, a loving father and grandfather who had a smile on his face even during the toughest of times.  To have known him, we are all lucky.  

Terry leaves behind his 2 children, Cristi-Anna Zimirowski and T. Christian Zimirowski and his 4 grandchildren Cianna R. Indeck, Campbell P. Indeck, Owen B. Zimirowski and Piper A. Zimirowski.  His sister and her husband, Kaye and Denis Pelley. Nephew Stephen Knowlton and his wife Tracy P. Knowlton and their children. Daughter of deceased niece, Tracy Knowlton, Chelsea Knowlton. Many cousins with their families, including Lisa Zimirowski Zarra, Michael

Zimirowski and Edmund Zimirowski.  In addition to Pamela Moryl, Penelope Seaver and PolliJo Moryl, he leaves many family members near and far. He loved you all so much!  

A Celebration of Life with Military Funeral Honors will take place this September at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody, MA.  The family is currently making plans for the funeral and reception. Further details will be shared soon. Thank you to everyone for your kind loving thoughts and continued prayers for Terry W. Zimirowski.