Passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2024, at the age of 99, in his 100th year. Beloved husband of his wife of 50 years, Mary Lynn Talentino. Loving father of Patricia Talentino, Shannon Leversedge (Renton) and Cristin Talentino. Predeceased by his son, James Talentino and granddaughter, Isla Rose. Loving grandfather to Terry Talentino (Jom), Henley, Aida, Tavin and great-grandchild Terajeet.
Terry was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and grew up in South Porcupine, Ont., where he developed a passion for hockey. He was presented with his first pair of skates in 1934 (a novelty in the depression) by William “Billy” Burch, former NHL star who played for the now disenfranchised New York Americans. Terry’s hockey career took off in 1942 playing for the Brantford Lions of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). He led his team in scoring and was called up by the Detroit Red Wings in early 1943 but broke his ankle prior to playing in the NHL and was out for the remainder of the season.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from 1943-1945 stationed on Vancouver Island where he also joined the RCAF Inter-Service Hockey League. The league included many NHL greats such as Johnny Quilty of the Montreal Canadiens and Tony Licari of the Detroit Red Wings. Terry attended the Detroit Red Wings hockey camp in ’45 but was sent to the San Francisco Shamrocks of the Pacific Coast Hockey League in 1945-‘46. Fifteen years of senior hockey was next, playing for various teams in Northern Ontario.
The North Bay Sports Hall of Fame inductee retired in 1961 with 260 goals and 480 points. Terry became a scout for the Montreal Canadians and Chicago Blackhawks from 1954-1961, culminating with his career as the General Manager of the North Bay, Ont., Memorial Gardens for 23 years, bringing in outstanding performers such as Johnny Cash, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond, and top tier sporting events such as the 1982 Air Canada Midget AAA Hockey National Championships, the 1986 Canadian Figure skating Championships, and the 1989 Ontario Winter Games North Bay, ON. Talentino also spent many years as an executive for the Northern Ontario Hockey League, Ontario Hockey Association and Canadian Hockey League. He also found the time to serve as a city councillor and president of the Italian Davedi Club.
His most important role, however; was that of a loyal friend and family man. Throughout his full and impressive life, he is remembered as one of the most warm, charismatic, positive and full-of-life personalities you could ever meet. The care for those he loved can only be admired. And his loss will be felt deeply by many.
Family receiving friends at the Hillside Funeral Home from 5:30–8:30 p.m on February 22nd.
As expressions of sympathy donations to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.