Terence "T.D." Dean McCartney's Obituary
Today we celebrate the life of our beloved Terence Dean “T.D." McCartney, who graced this world from November 24th, 1955, in New York City, to May 14th, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington.
Terence was baptized, confirmed, and raised in the Christian faith at Union Congregation Church – a United Church of Christ – in Harlem, where his parents resided. As a teen he sang in the Junior Choir and served on the usher board.
A founding member of the "Boys of Lexington," his friends’ group from East Harlem, Terry cherished the camaraderie and memories they shared. He loved to socialize with his friends, his outgoing nature and sense of humor leaving lasting impressions on everyone he met.
With a keen interest in electric football, trains, planes, and automobiles, he found joy in flying his drone, capturing the world from new perspectives. T.D. proudly served 20 years in the United States Army as a biomedical engineer, applying his skills across the Pacific Rim and Central America. After his military retirement, he started a new chapter as an installer of bio-medical equipment for Phillips Medical, in hospitals across the country which lasted 20 years. He received several plaques acknowledging his commitment and excellence along with a letter of honorable service from President Clinton.
T.D. was the loving husband of Chae, devoted father to Heather M. and Terri, and cherished grandfather to Chriselle, Audrey, and Miles. He met his loving wife Chae in 1984 while stationed in South Korea, and their love blossomed into a beautiful family when they married in January 1985.
His passion for life was infectious. T.D. loved to travel, with Hawaii holding a special place in his heart. Sundays were dedicated to cheering on his favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks, proudly wearing Seahawks green from head to toe. An avid music lover, especially of jazz and R&B and house music, his favorite artist was jazz pianist Chick Corea, whose melodies often filled their home.
Resilient, generous, hardworking, supportive, and loyal, T.D.'s intelligence and problem-solving skills were admired by many. He is survived by his sister Heather D. McCartney of New York, and was the “fun”uncle to his nieces and nephew. He is reunited with his parents, Audrey and Charles W. McCartney, and his brother, Charles A. McCartney, who preceded him in passing.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the dedicated staff of Madigan Army Medical Center, a place where he greatly appreciated their medical support and care, and also a place he helped to install a new wing with medical equipment, leaving a legacy of care and comfort for those who enter Madigan’s doors.
Family gratitude extends to Arthur and Stella Bell, the best neighbors who on many occasions came to T.D.s rescue when he was “goin’ down” from a fall and were there to lift his spirits up. The Warrens, Gethers, Joyners, Dickersons, and Valentine’s were just a few of the friends and families on both sides of the country that helped him stay connected. Thank you to all we considered “sisters from another mister, and brothers from another mother!”. A special shout-out goes to his core of Army buddies who traveled the country and Canada each Veteran’s Day weekend visiting historic places in Black history.
We will hold T.D. close in our hearts, honoring his legacy of laughter and love, and embracing life with the same joy and enthusiasm he shared with us throughout his lifetime.
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