BALLSTON SPA, NY (08/28/2008)(readMedia)-- Gordon R. Terry, president and treasurer of the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home in Edmeston, was elected president of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) at the organization's annual meeting which concluded yesterday at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York. A licensed funeral director since 1983 and certified funeral service practitioner (CFSP) since 2004, Terry will serve for the 2008-2009 term.
Terry was formerly an assistant professor of mortuary science at Farmingdale State University, and has been the Otsego County Coroner since 1997.
Terry is a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and a member of the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. He is currently secretary of the Leatherstocking Funeral Directors Association, a local association comprised of funeral directors in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties.
Active in community affairs, Terry is trustee of the Edmeston Town School Funds, a member of the Edmeston Fire Department and treasurer of the Cooperstown Lions Club. He is also vice president of the Edmeston Union Cemetery Association.
Terry graduated from Buffalo State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and received his Mortuary Science Degree from Farmingdale State University in 1982.
Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining a Website at www.nysfda.org, NYSFDA also publishes a quarterly newspaper column "Transitions" and brochures which educate and inform consumers about end-of-life issues.
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Editor's Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with Gordon Terry, please call him at 607-965-8242, or Vera Nuspliger at 518-882-9816; cell 518-424-8719; Randy McCullough at 518-452-8230. Gordon Terry's photo is attached.