Stephen C. Terry of Middlebury, a lifelong and iconic Vermonter, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at the age of 82. Surrounded by his beloved family, the comforting walls of his historic 1799 home, and the treasured books and memorabilia that told the story of his life’s work, Stephen left this world as he lived — rooted in Vermont and in service to its people.
A respected journalist, editor, and longtime executive at Green Mountain Power, Stephen was also a trusted political adviser to many of Vermont’s leaders. His passion for Vermont — its politics, people, and potential — defined a life of public service, thoughtful commentary, and civic leadership. In recognition of his many contributions, he was named Vermont Citizen of the Year in 2014 by the Vermont State Chamber of Commerce.
Born in Windsor, Vermont, on October 2, 1942, to Charles and Patricia Terry, Stephen was the eldest of five siblings: John, Ellen, Tom, and Margaret. His love of journalism was sparked early as a high school sports reporter for a local weekly. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he began a distinguished reporting career at the Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, where he covered state politics and the transformative years of Governor Phil Hoff’s administration. That era inspired his later co-authored book, Philip Hoff: How Red Turned Blue in the Green Mountain State.
In 1969, Stephen entered national politics as a legislative aide to Senator George Aiken, where he became the lead staffer for the Senate Foreign Relations and Agriculture committees. He later authored Say We Won and Get Out, chronicling Aiken’s bold stance against the Vietnam War.
Returning to Vermont, Stephen revitalized journalism in the state — founding the Burlington bureau and Sunday editions of the Herald and Times Argus, and eventually serving as managing editor of the Rutland Herald, which thrived under his leadership. He was admired not only for his editorial integrity but also for making the paper a trusted source for political and civic discourse.
In 1980, Stephen met and married journalist Sally West Johnson, with whom he shared over 30 years of partnership in journalism, public life, and deep mutual respect, until her passing in 2010.
Stephen later transitioned into energy leadership, joining Green Mountain Power in 1985. There, he advanced several landmark initiatives — including importing hydroelectric power from Québec, supporting Vermont’s first commercial wind farm in Lowell, and overseeing the acquisition of Central Vermont Public Service in 2012. He was widely recognized for aligning energy progress with Vermont’s environmental values.
Stephen’s civic involvement was equally prolific. He served with the Vermont Community Foundation, the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, the Vermont Press Association, the Vermont Historical Society, and more. He founded the Vermont Writers’ Prize and chaired the Porter Medical Center board during its affiliation with the UVM Health Network. His service touched virtually every corner of Vermont’s civic landscape.
In his later years, Stephen found renewed joy in his marriage to Faith Terry, a fellow community advocate and arts champion. Their love was a gift that brought light, laughter, and even a small herd of cherished Belted Galloway cows. Faith’s gift of Stephen’s first cow sparked a daily ritual of visits, grounding him in the rhythm of Vermont’s land.
Stephen’s home office — built on the foundation of an old chicken coop — became his creative haven, where he wrote passionately about Vermont’s political history. His voice also reached many through WCAX-TV, where he appeared as a political analyst during election seasons.
Stephen is survived by a blended and beloved family: his first wife Sandra Wells and their children, Megan and Joshua; his late wife Sally and their son, Will; and his devoted wife, Faith, who was by his side through his final chapter.
He will be laid to rest at West Cemetery in Middlebury. A celebration of Stephen’s life will take place on October 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. The Vermont community he loved so deeply is invited to join in remembrance.
Stephen Terry leaves behind a profound legacy — as a journalist, a civic leader, a public servant, and a proud Vermonter. He leaves Vermont a stronger, more thoughtful, and more connected place.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives he touched.
