Mark Richard Terra

Richard Terra passed away on December 29, 2017 at the Martinez VA Hospice Unit in Martinez, California after a heroic year-long battle with colon cancer. Mark was born on November 28, 1984 in Stockton, California. He attended schools in Modesto, California.

Mark served six years in the U.S. Army with service in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Mark was highly decorated for his service as a Scout during his two tours in Iraq.

Mark was a very caring and respectful young man who was quick with a smile for everyone he met. He was very athletic and especially loved to play baseball and basketball. Mark was known, and well-liked, for his thoughtfulness, his kind heart, and his loyalty. His generosity in helping others knew no bounds.

Mark fought as valiantly against the disease that took his young life as he did for his country during his service in the U. S. Army. His resilient spirit, his strength, and his empathy and compassion for others were characteristics admired and inspirational to all who knew Mark. The warmth, joy, strength, and courage that Mark showed toward all he encountered in his young life will be truly missed.

Mark was preceded in death by his younger brother, David James Terra, his younger sister, Sara Marie Terra, and his nephews, Jesse Lee and Jason Latrelle Woodson.

Mark is survived by his parents William and Louise Terra of Modesto, his older siblings, Heather Fanger (Ed) of Rio Linda, California, Jackie Terra, Cedarville, California; Matthew Terra (Carmen) of Modesto, California, Paul Terra of Modesto, California, Lucia Terra (Frank Lopez) of Fresno, California, and Brian Terra (Veronica) of San Francisco, California, a great-niece, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A military funeral service will be held for Mark on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10 am at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California.

A luncheon to celebrate together and share our best moments and memories of Mark will be held following the military funeral from 12-4 pm at Homewood Village Horizon Room, 2000 Mable Avenue, Modesto, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society be made in Mark's name.