Terrence John Barnicle, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Worcester, MA, after a courageous battle with cancer. “Terry”, as he was known to family and friends, was a beloved brother and uncle whose devotion to learning and teaching was legendary.

Terry is the son of John and Catherine Mabel (Kilgore) Barnicle. Born and raised in Worcester, his childhood was typical of a working-class, Irish Catholic family in the 1940s and ’50s – he served as an altar boy at St. Paul’s Cathedral, sang in the Cathedral choir from childhood well into his adult life, delivered the Worcester Telegram, played Little League, and excelled as a Boy Scout.

An exceptional student, Terry graduated at the top of his class from St. John’s High School and, later, from The College of the Holy Cross. He studied law at Boston University, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, and a Master of Counseling from Clark University.

Despite his prodigious intellect and educational achievements, Terry struggled to find a rewarding career until he found immense fulfillment in teaching English as a Second Language to recent immigrants to which he dedicated himself through private lessons throughout Worcester. He had a passion for foreign languages and cultures, learning the native tongue of each of his students – from Portuguese to Khmer. His other passion was his fierce pride and knowledge of Worcester’s history.

Though Terry never married, he spent many years with his loving companion, Paula Czepiel, with whom he enjoyed long drives to the beach, dancing, and music until her death in 2008.

In addition to Paula, Terry is predeceased by his parents and infant brother Peter G. Barnicle. He is survived by his brothers Timothy and his wife Suzanne, Gerald and his wife Gail, Stephan and his wife Mary Anne, his sister Mary Beth, wife of Sherburne Rockwell III, 13 nieces and nephews and their families, and several cousins.

Terry’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA with calling hours from 4 to 6 p.m. and at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Wed., Nov. 8 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, MA.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff of St. Francis and the hospice team of Notre Dame Health Care for their extraordinary and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 101 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604 or Notre Dame Health Care – Hospice, 555-559 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.