North Grafton / Northborough

Terry "Pappy" E. Hardy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 78, at Christopher House in Worcester, MA. Terry leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara A. (Kristo) Hardy; his daughter Hilare (Hardy) Bowie and her husband Tyler Bowie; step-daughters Kathryn (DeLuca) Sacco and her husband Keith Sacco, and Amy (DeLuca) Romard and her husband David Romard; his cherished grandchildren Mason Bowie, Payton Bowie, Emma Sacco and Anna Sacco; his sister Karen (Hardy) McMillian and her husband Joe of Helena, Mt; several nieces and nephews, and countless close friends and former patients.

Terry was born in Helena, Montana, the son of the late Edward F. Hardy and Margaret H. (Waicelunas) Hardy. He was raised in Helena, Montana, and graduated from Helena High School in 1965 where he was an all-star athlete in football, wrestling, track and field and baseball. He attended Montana State University where he played football and then transferred to University of Montana Missoula and graduated in 1969. Upon graduating and completing the ROTC program, Terry served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His call to duty was caring for wounded and burned soldiers during the Vietnam era.

Pursuing his love of Physical Therapy, Terry went to and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with his Physical Therapy degree. Terry relocated to Massachusetts to continue his studies in Physical Therapy at Boston University. During this time, Terry served as an adjunct professor at BU and Northeastern and achieved his MSPT degree. Terry then implemented the first Physical Therapy program at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester.

Following his dream, Terry opened his own practice, Hardy Physical Therapy in Northborough in 1981. For the next 37 years, Terry devoted his clinical skills and caring demeanor to the health of hundreds of patients. His legacy endures through his daughter, Hilare and son-in-law Tyler's continued operation of Hardy Physical Therapy in Northborough and Hudson.

Terry and his wife Barbara enjoyed many happy years together with their daughters and grandchildren. They could be found together, golfing, going out for ice cream, vacationing down the cape, and attending their grandchildren's sporting events, including golf, gymnastics, baseball, softball and swimming. Terry was a lover of sports, both watching and playing. He was a Boston sports fanatic, former Boston Marathon runner, and a proud longtime Patriots season ticket holder. He was a true fan of all Boston sports teams, but his favorite players to watch were his grandchildren.

Terry was adored by many and was successful in both his professional and his family life. He was a devoted husband, father, step-father, and grandfather. Terry was loved for his infectious laugh that could light up a room, and his positive, fun-loving personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and will live on in our hearts and memories.

Calling hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com .

In lieu of flowers, Terry's family respectfully request memorial donations be directed to the National Parks Conservation Assn. (https://support.npca.org) or to the Disabled American Veterans. (www.dav.org)