Terry James Quarello, 63 of Pekin, passed peacefully in his home on Monday, July 15, 2024 with his beloved Doberman and his sisters by his side. He had been battling cancer for the last few years.
The 5th of 6 Quarello Kids, Terry was born in Pekin, IL on September 21st, 1960 to James and Vera Quarello. He was proud of his Italian heritage and, as such, enjoyed cooking and hanging around the kitchen. He resided in the family homestead across from Pekin Mineral Springs Park until his death. Terry grew up in Pekin with his 5 brothers and sisters, Robert (Bob), Dennis (Denny), Diana, Debbie and Anna. He was employed by Sommer Brothers Seed Company for many years. “T.Q.” was known by many names and nicknames including, perhaps most famously, “The Buckeye King”. He would frequently pass out buckeyes to anyone he ran across as good luck charms. The name he loved to be called the most was Uncle Re, having never had children of his own, his many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews were his whole world. According to his siblings, their mother always taught them “If you want to have a friend, you need to be a friend.” From his days hunting and fishing the entire state of Illinois to taking cross country motorcycle trips, T.Q. made friends everywhere he went. Terry was the type of guy who’d give a stranger the shirt off his back and the food off his table if they were in need. His friends and family can surely all recall a time they heard, “mount up!”, “kickstands up at high noon”, or the sound of a bugle played by an amateur to start a ride. He was truly a free spirit and he lived and died on his own terms.
Terry is survived by his beautiful Doberman Pinscher, Bella Bambina, and loving sisters; Diana, Debbie and Anna. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brothers Robert Quarello and Dennis Quarello.
Cremation has been accorded and services will be held at a later date.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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