Brendan Terry

Brendan John Terry, 59, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, May 10, at his home in Madison.  Born October 25, 1966, in Madison to Edward Michael “Ed” Terry and Kathleen “Sue” (née Roche) Terry, Brendan lived a life filled with sports, music, laughter and, above all, family.

A graduate of Madison West High School, Class of 1984, Brendan continued his studies for a time in radio broadcasting at Brown Institute, Minnesota, hoping to apply his uncanny expertise in all-things-sports into a sports media career.

Indeed, from a young age, Brendan loved sports and was known in the Terry family as “the little fast one.”  From childhood games in Arbor Hill’s backyards, he grew into a devoted lifelong fan of Wisconsin teams, especially Badgers football, Brewers baseball and the Packers. He also shared a special bond with his father, a Notre Dame grad, through their mutual passion for Fighting Irish football. His sister, Erinn reflects, “He was always happiest with family, especially at Notre Dame football games.”  And the family surmises that Brendan’s fan loyalty would have been put to the test in the upcoming once-in-a-lifetime match-up between the Badgers and Irish at Lambeau Field.

Brendan’s love of music accompanied him through life. He considered good music a basic necessity and firmly believed life was always better with the right soundtrack – especially if Eddie Van Halen was playing guitar. In his teens, he introduced his younger brother, Sean, to his list of “the greatest music of all time,” a selection he defended passionately.

Brendan could turn any kitchen, garage, or living room into a dance floor and was known for being the first one to cut a rug at any family function. And he definitely had the moves. Whether it was a holiday gathering, cookout or wedding reception, Brendan’s funny, joyous energy generated laughter, celebration and lasting memories. 

Throughout the years, Brendan worked in a variety of customer service roles for many local Madison-area companies, where his outgoing personality and gift for conversation served him well. He was devoted to his Catholic Faith and often attended Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace, with Judy Cary, a close family friend.

Brendan is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his two brothers, Michael Terry of Waunakee and Sean,(Taylor née Helstad)Terry of Verona; and his sister, Erinn Terry of Madison. He was a dedicated and beloved uncle to Austin, Nicole, Raegan, Jonathan, Darius, and Dean. He also leaves behind a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 301 N Main St Verona WI 53593.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 until the time of Mass. Interment will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to UnityPoint-Health-Newstart or Tellurian Behavioral Health.

To view this guestbook and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625