Terry J. Sulzener

Terry J. “Jake” Sulzener, age 59, of New Philadelphia was united with his Savior and gained ultimate healing early Tuesday, January 13, 2015 while in the care of Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania following a very courageous and hard fought battle with lung cancer.

Born on March 1, 1955 in Union Hospital at Dover, Terry was a son of the late Jack and Joan (Murphy) Sulzener.

He was a 1973 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and went on to obtain an Associate Degree in Radiology from Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Terry returned to New Philadelphia and joined his father and brothers in the family business, Sulzener Truss & Construction Company. Of the numerous projects the company was credited with, one in particular was special to the family, as they oversaw the construction and addition to the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia; a location Terry has considered his spiritual home his entire life.

In 1988, Terry joined the staff of First Baptist Church as the Facilities Manager. There was hardly an inch on the property Terry wasn’t aware of. He was passionate about maintaining a safe and clean facility for the First Baptist family and their guests, and considered his work as a ministry and privilege to be a part of taking care of God’s house.

In addition to his work, Terry found a calling to the mission field having ventured to various parts of the world. He was led to the Philippines six times where his trips focused on the building of churches, which has led to missionary placements and discipleship for years to come.

With God first and family next, Terry nurtured a relationship with those he loved. He made it a point to be supportive of his children through the attendance of their school activities, even as they ventured off to college. He was the “Go To” guy for all things, whether it was home repair or guidance, and his children knew they could turn to him.

Terry loved planning vacations and family trips, never passing up opportunities for all of them to gather and share time with one another. Those who knew him best were also aware of his passion for the game of golf and his enjoyment of taking off on golf outings at any time throughout the year.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, the former Chris Valentine; their children, Morgan (John) Russell of New Philadelphia; Sierra (Andy) Schulz of Madison, Wisconsin, and Spenser Sulzener of Cleveland; his beloved grandchildren, Reese and Jake Russell; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rich and Treva Valentine of New Philadelphia.

Completing the family are his siblings, Kim (Jill) Sulzener, Brett (Jane) Sulzener all of New Philadelphia, Cindy (Larry) Paynter of West Virginia, Sam (Laurie) Sulzener and Shawn (Melissa) Sulzener all of Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Danae Elise Russell.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia where long-time friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Mark Trotter will lead a service celebrating Terry’s life at 5:00 PM. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the church gymnasium.

In gratitude for the exemplary care and compassion shown to Terry and his family during his illness at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the Assistance in Healthcare Program, c/o Brian McEvilly, 1331 East Wyoming Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19124 or be made online by visiting www.aih.org/philly or to his church home, First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.