Celebrating the life of
Terence C. Canavan
January 16, 1934 - March 23, 2012
Terence Canavan, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2012. He was 78 years old. Terry was born in Brooklyn, New York, and attended the Canterbury School before heading to Williams College, from which he graduated in 1955.
After college he simultaneously signed up for Chemical Bank's training program and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing the bank's credit training program he spent four years as a fighter pilot and flight instructor in Laredo, Texas, and he continued to fly for the Air National Guard in New York after he left the Air Force.
After his military service he returned to Chemical Bank and worked there until his retirement as Executive Vice President in 1994. Although he and his wife, Mary, knew only a few words of Spanish, he decided early on to move into the bank's Latin America business. Terry opened Chemical Bank's office in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1964, moved to Mexico City in 1969 to head the bank's office there, ran Chemical Bank's finance company in Spain for a couple of years and returned to Caracas in 1973 to run a large part of the bank's Latin America business.
In 1976, Terry and his family moved to Chatham Township, New Jersey, and lived there for two decades – eventually running the Chemical Bank's businesses in emerging markets – before retiring to Savannah.
More than anything else, Terry loved the company of his family and friends. He was an avid golfer. He was a long-standing member of the Inter-American Dialogue, an organization dedicated to confronting the most pressing issues facing the Western Hemisphere. He volunteered as a mentor for students of Savannah's public schools. No day was complete without an assault, almost always successful, on The New York Times crossword puzzle. He was a champion of Accion International, one of the most successful micro-credit organizations in the world; he served as its chairman for many years.
Terry is survived by Mary, two sons – Chris, of Westfield, New Jersey, and Michael of Brooklyn – and his daughter, Patricia, of New York City. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Maurizio Ricchiuto, and two daughters-in-law, Colleen Foster and Sarah Canavan. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren – Nicholas, Zoe, Zachary and Emelia – and two nieces, Meredith McCallion and Cathy Moore.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Accion, USA, c/o Resource Development Department, 56 Roland St., Suite 300, Boston, MA 02129.
Terry was always well respected, especially for his complete honesty in personal relationships. He also was a fun person to spend time with. He is remembered with good thoughts
- John Baring, Chatham, NY
Laughter, warmth, open mind, open heart. The door was always open on Tanglewood. I hold fond and cherished memories of Terry. With love and prayers to all of the Canavan's -- Carol Sanford Swirsky
- Carol Swirsky, Rainbow Lake, NY
I have many fond memories of the Canavan Household growing up. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Mr. Canavan's kind and friendly demeanor always made me feel welcome and comfortable being around him.
- Tom Mikulski, Little Silver, NJ
Our condolences and prayers are with the entire Canavan family. We are sorry for your loss. Stacy and Jay Stark
- Stacy and Jay Stark, New York, NY
Larry was the head of the Latin American Division when I joined in NYC. He was very supportive of the 'lowly new kid' & and continued his support during all the years I covered Latin America. The last time I saw him was at the Savoy in London where I was an expat--thanks largely to his support during my early years. Thanks, Larry.
- Elena de Murias, Manhattan, NY
It was a great pleasure to work for Terry in the Latin American group at Chemical Bank. Not only was he very professional, but he was also very enjoyable
- Robert Maddux, Greenwich, CT
I have fond memories of working in Terry's Latin American Group at Chemical Bank. He was the right man for that job at that time. My condolences to the entire Canavan family. I am sorry for your loss.
- Dan Candelore, Westfield, NJ
Terry showed me that father means love, which he gave me through his understanding and support. Every memory I have of him revolves around spirited discussion at the table - encouraging us to look deeper at issues and above all to act with integrity. He taught me so much - I love and will miss him. Nancy
- Nancy Maluso, New Providence, NJ
Everyone should have the good fortune to have known Terry Canavan. Terry always seemed more interested in what was going on in your life rather than speaking about the extraordinary things he was often involved in. Terry was a great host, and had the uniqiue quality of putting everyone at ease. We will always cherish our great times with Terry in Savannah. Mary, Chris, Patti, and Michael, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love- Sally and Frank
- Frank and Sally, Collegeville, PA
We only had the chance to see Uncle Terry once or twice a year but we always looked forward to our time spent with him. He was extremely interesting, fun to be around and a loving uncle. Uncle Terry will be greatly missed but we will forever have fond memories of the time spent with him. Aunt Mary, Patty, Chris and Michael we are thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers during this sad time.
- Love, Alicia and Greg, S, GA
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Cananvan. He was not just a customer but a dear friend indeed. We are praying for comfort and healing for the Cananvan family. We will keep you close in our hearts in the days to come. Please let us know if we can do anything.
- Southern Lawns, Gardens,& Sprinklers Glenn and Wanda Horne, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to lose a dear friend and reach out with love and kindness to his spectacular family in their time of grief. Gabriella and George
- The Pellingers, Savannah, GA
Words can't even begin to express the sadness I felt when I heard about Uncle Terry. I think back to my fondest memories of being in NJ at your house. The best being the times we roller skated down your street! You were an exemplary man and a great uncle who always made our visits wonderful. You will be missed greatly and I only wish that I could be there with our family to remember you. In my heart is where you will stay. Aunt Mimi, Chris, Michael, and Patty.....I love you and hope you know that I am thinking of you each day in this time of grief. Hugs and Kisses to you from us. Love, Mary Beth, Dylan, Sydney and Owen.
- Mary Beth Spang, Sinking Spring, PA
Marie's and my loss are nothing compared to yours,but we will miss him terribly. Terry was a great friend.
- Harry Goettel, Savannah, GA
Terry was always well respected, especially for his complete honesty in personal relationships. He also was a fun person to spend time with. He is remembered with good thoughts
- John Baring, Chatham, NY
Laughter, warmth, open mind, open heart. The door was always open on Tanglewood. I hold fond and cherished memories of Terry. With love and prayers to all of the Canavan's -- Carol Sanford Swirsky
- Carol Swirsky, Rainbow Lake, NY
I have many fond memories of the Canavan Household growing up. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Mr. Canavan's kind and friendly demeanor always made me feel welcome and comfortable being around him.
- Tom Mikulski, Little Silver, NJ
Our condolences and prayers are with the entire Canavan family. We are sorry for your loss. Stacy and Jay Stark
- Stacy and Jay Stark, New York, NY
Larry was the head of the Latin American Division when I joined in NYC. He was very supportive of the 'lowly new kid' & and continued his support during all the years I covered Latin America. The last time I saw him was at the Savoy in London where I was an expat--thanks largely to his support during my early years. Thanks, Larry.
- Elena de Murias, Manhattan, NY
It was a great pleasure to work for Terry in the Latin American group at Chemical Bank. Not only was he very professional, but he was also very enjoyable
- Robert Maddux, Greenwich, CT
I have fond memories of working in Terry's Latin American Group at Chemical Bank. He was the right man for that job at that time. My condolences to the entire Canavan family. I am sorry for your loss.
- Dan Candelore, Westfield, NJ
Terry showed me that father means love, which he gave me through his understanding and support. Every memory I have of him revolves around spirited discussion at the table - encouraging us to look deeper at issues and above all to act with integrity. He taught me so much - I love and will miss him. Nancy
- Nancy Maluso, New Providence, NJ
Everyone should have the good fortune to have known Terry Canavan. Terry always seemed more interested in what was going on in your life rather than speaking about the extraordinary things he was often involved in. Terry was a great host, and had the uniqiue quality of putting everyone at ease. We will always cherish our great times with Terry in Savannah. Mary, Chris, Patti, and Michael, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love- Sally and Frank
- Frank and Sally, Collegeville, PA
We only had the chance to see Uncle Terry once or twice a year but we always looked forward to our time spent with him. He was extremely interesting, fun to be around and a loving uncle. Uncle Terry will be greatly missed but we will forever have fond memories of the time spent with him. Aunt Mary, Patty, Chris and Michael we are thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers during this sad time.
- Love, Alicia and Greg, S, GA
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Cananvan. He was not just a customer but a dear friend indeed. We are praying for comfort and healing for the Cananvan family. We will keep you close in our hearts in the days to come. Please let us know if we can do anything.
- Southern Lawns, Gardens,& Sprinklers Glenn and Wanda Horne, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to lose a dear friend and reach out with love and kindness to his spectacular family in their time of grief. Gabriella and George
- The Pellingers, Savannah, GA
Words can't even begin to express the sadness I felt when I heard about Uncle Terry. I think back to my fondest memories of being in NJ at your house. The best being the times we roller skated down your street! You were an exemplary man and a great uncle who always made our visits wonderful. You will be missed greatly and I only wish that I could be there with our family to remember you. In my heart is where you will stay. Aunt Mimi, Chris, Michael, and Patty.....I love you and hope you know that I am thinking of you each day in this time of grief. Hugs and Kisses to you from us. Love, Mary Beth, Dylan, Sydney and Owen.
- Mary Beth Spang, Sinking Spring, PA
Marie's and my loss are nothing compared to yours,but we will miss him terribly. Terry was a great friend.
- Harry Goettel, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
