Terrence H. Link of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on July 1, 2022, at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terry was born on May 1, 1947, in Youngstown, Ohio, to William and Carol (née Gettman) Link.  Growing up in West Akron, he met many life-long friends during his childhood years and graduated from Buchtel High School in 1965, where he was a Senior Captain and All-City quarterback on the football team.

Following graduation, Terry worked as a lab technician at NRM Corporation and as a fireman for the B&O Railroad to pay for his college education at The University of Akron. He graduated from Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management in 1971.  While at Akron, Terry met the love of his life, Kathy.  What started as a first date to SeaWorld on his motorcycle turned into a loving, fifty year marriage, which began on December 18, 1971.

Terry had a successful career in the rubber and tire capital machinery industry, starting as a sales engineer with Barwell Inc., following which, he held several positions at and was ultimately elected president of McNeil Akron, Inc.  He left McNeil to come full circle and purchase the company where he worked as a lab technician in college. Terry purchased and became president and CEO of NRM Corporation, a leading designer, builder, and worldwide marketer of rubber and plastic extruders and tire building machinery. While at NRM, Terry traveled the world extensively – including memorable visits throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America – to aggressively grow the business.  Following his sale of NRM, he remained active in his retirement, serving as owner and president of Newport Capital, Bradbury International, and Polymer Mold and Engineering.

Despite his global travel schedule and commitment to his business, Terry prioritized his family and was a loving and caring father.  He made time to coach his sons’ little league football and baseball teams and treasured the special bond he shared with his daughter.  He maintained a close relationship with his children throughout their adulthood. He also served his community through volunteer activities such as serving as a Host Contestant for the PGA World Series of Golf Event at Firestone Country Club.

Terry loved adventure and being outdoors. He and Kathy enjoyed many rides on his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and he was a co-founder of the “Iron Butts” motorcycle club.  Terry also loved being on the water with his friends and family – whether it was hosting “Card Club” at the Harbor, cruising to the Lake Erie islands, fishing for walleye or perch with his boys, or waterskiing and tubing.  He created many special memories with family and friends on his boat.

Terry and Kathy traveled extensively, enjoying regular trips to Vegas with the friends and taking trips in recent years to Alaska and Italy.  They loved hosting family and friends at their home in Naples, Florida for over twenty-five years.  Terry and his family enjoyed many family vacations over the years, with one of the highlights being a family round of golf at Pebble Beach.

An avid golfer, Terry enjoyed many rounds at Sharon Golf Club, Rawiga, and Westfield Country Club, and spent many years playing with his weekly “Caddyshack” golf group at other area courses.  He celebrated milestone birthdays with special golf vacations with his sons and son-in-law to Pinehurst, Kiawah Island, and Sea Island, and had several memorable “buddies” golf trips with life-long friends.

Terry loved sports and was a passionate fan of the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Akron Zips.  He could be spotted regularly at Wadsworth and Copley High School stadiums attending his grandchildren’s football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse games.

Terry had other interests as well – he loved history and was an avid reader; he was an excellent cook, often cooking Sunday dinners for his family; he enjoyed a good meal and glass of wine; he knew how to fix engines and loved cars, especially Corvettes; he was known for his natural handyman skills; and he was a life-long learner and immensely curious about everything.

Above all else, Terry’s unwritten rules were “family first” and “The Golden Rule” and he embodied these principles in the way he lived his life and through the many lives he touched.  Terry lived his life to the fullest.  Family and friends will remember his big, infectious personality, endless stories, and how fiercely he loved the people in his life.

Terry is survived by his wife, Kathleen Marie (née Obreza) Link; daughter, Sarah (Dan) Niemczura; sons Terry (Lauren) and Aaron (Jen); and his eleven grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy: Carter, Grant, Nathan, Kelsey, Colin, Gabby, Emma, Landon, Lila, Reid, and Danny. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William, and he is also survived by his sisters, Sharlene (Allen) Stouffer and Beth Sefluth, brother Kim (Vicki) Link, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

“The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man.  This is true.  What a man is survives him.  It can never be buried.” – J.R. Miller

“I love you all.  It’s all cool.”

Terry’s family invites friends to stop by to pay their respects at Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N Lyman St, Wadsworth, Ohio, any time between 4 pm and 7 pm on Sunday, July 10, 2022, and a mass of the resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, July 11, 2022, at 10 am, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1676 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, Ohio.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
www.HilliardRospert.com