Terrence Richard Hawkins

Terrence Richard Hawkins of Pottstown, PA.

Terrence (Terry) Richard Hawkins, 80, of Pottstown, PA; died Sunday, July 8, 2018.

He was the husband of the late Rebecca Lines Hawkins, the love of his life whom he said he was “going home to see.”

Born February 16, 1938 in Toledo, OH; he was the oldest son of the founders of Brathaven—the late Harold James Hawkins and the late Mildred Loretta Sheckler Hawkins.

Terry graduated from DeVilbiss High School of Toledo in 1955, attended the University of Toledo and completed his bachelor’s degree at Miami University of Ohio in 1962, where he was discovered as a singer while studying foreign languages and government. He then received a full scholarship to the Eastman School of Music but decided to go straight to New York City to pursue a career in singing, instead.

His rich, bass voice was heard as a soloist with The Metropolitan Opera Studio, San Francisco Opera, New York Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Lyric Opera, New Orleans Opera Association, Central City Opera, Toledo Civic Opera Company, Dayton Civic Opera Company, and on tour with Columbia Artists. He made numerous concert appearances in oratorio performances in the New York City area, and sang on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the Bell Telephone Hour, Live from Lincoln Center, WNYC’s Opera Stars of Tomorrow, and WQXR radio in New York City.

After moving his family north of the city, Terry performed with his local Putnam Symphony Orchestra, the Putnam Chorale, and places of worship throughout the tri-state area, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, NJ.

But his family and friends will remember him for his delightful, dark sense of humor; his original labels for cat extremities; and his stacks of Who’s Who in Baseball, which he memorized while remaining devoted to his favorite team—The New York Mets. Terry will also be remembered for putting his children to shame on hikes up mountainsides; and for his playful teasing of children, grandchildren, and pets for their “boneheads,” “clown makeup,” and various quirks and fads.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer Conroy (George), Melissa Hall, Carrie Strong (Adam), Cris Alexander (Vinny), Cindy Ayling (Dave) and Nelson Sahle (Marie); siblings Joan Thompson, Marilyn Logan, Wendy Gilchrist, and Roger Hawkins; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He predeceased his former wife from Toledo, OH; Sharon Kay Black Hawkins Fauster.

A celebration of his life will be hosted by his children.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.