Obituary of Terry Vonhightower
Terry Vonhightower entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 26, 2024, he was 86 years of age.
Terry never recovered from an injury he suffered when he was hit by a car while crossing Brown Street on his mobility scooter, on April 19th of this year. He fought like a warrior, enduring numerous hospitalizations and medical procedures. In his final days, he was visited by many close friends.
When Terry moved to Peekskill, over ten years ago, he had already suffered a massive stroke which left him partially paralyzed. He quickly became a fixture in Peekskill as he slowly made his way around town with his cane, always beautifully dressed and put together in a rotating selection of cowboy hats, dress shirts, and fabulous boots.
Terry was someone musician types called a “Heavy Cat”, with a deep resume in the top tier arts and entertainment worlds. He knew EVERYONE. He danced with the world-famous dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity, Terry performed as a stuntman and actor in numerous films and theater productions. His cowboy persona was not an act; Terry was a REAL cowboy and horseman, traveling and performing in Wild West shows.
Little is known about Terry’s early years. It has been said, however, that his parents died in a train accident after which Terry was sent to live with his grandmother (where, we do not know), and she sent him to a Boarding School in England called Summerhill (back then it was known as The New School for its progressive teaching style). We have no knowledge of surviving family members, although Terry mentioned having an older brother that lived in Hawaii.
Cowboy loved to ride horses, drive fast cars and motorcycles, and he even flew small planes. But one of things he loved to do most was dance which he did professionally as well as socially which he continued to do even after suffering his stroke.
Nothing could stop Terry from doing what he loved.
Memorial services are being planned. Information will be disseminated as soon as plans are finalized.
We will also post the information on Terry Vonhightower's Facebook page.
Donations can be made through Go Fund Me to help with his burial and memorial costs.
