Comments on: Top education dept official, Terence Tolbert, dies of heart attack

By: Joyce Reese-Parker

Joyce Reese-Parker — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:44:29 +0000

I am so sadden by the passing of Terence Tolbert. We were actually classmates in elementary school in Harlem. I am just reading (now) the contributions he made in his community..I am sure he is truly missed

By: Natasha Demosthene

Natasha Demosthene — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:07:12 +0000

Terence was a great person and friend. The best listener I have ever encountered. He could make me laugh even during a crisis. He will be missed. He was a very kind-hearted and caring person that genuinely loved to help people.

By: Luis Ramos

Luis Ramos — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:42:27 +0000

You will truly be missed. I could always rely on you to put a smile on my face and give good sound advice. Say hello to Ibo Balton for me.

By: Kavita Thawani

Kavita Thawani — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:40:58 +0000

I am deeply saddened hearing the passing away of a dear friend Terence, when I first met him at Bloomberg’s campaign, in 2005, I found him to be a very polite, kind and very helpful person, I kept in touch with him at Obama’s campaign, he told me on facebook he was going Nevada helping Obama, I remember I thought he was such a lucky person for Obama, and Obama did win, but I am sure Terence will be blessing Obama on 20th of Jan. from Heavens above, he was such a dedicated soul, a real friend, who will be deeply missed by us all, my heartfelt condolence to his family,
God Bless his family and give them tremendous amount of strength to bear this great loss.
I always saw Terence with a big smile, he had a big heart full of love for all.

By: LaTanya

LaTanya — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:12:54 +0000

I was sad to hear of the passing of Terrence, I went to junior high school with him. We grew up in St. Nick Projects. I remember him being a very smart student. I’m not surprised to hear how high in reached in this life. My prayers are with his family.

By: Terrence D, Byerson

Terrence D, Byerson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:25:52 +0000

Hey T, this is Terrence with two Rs (the right way to spell it)lol, I am sorry that you are no longer hear with us in the physical, but a presence like yours is never forgotten and you will always be here spiritually to anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting you. You’d be happy to know that Star Trek was mentioned numerous times at your homegoing. You were always a man of great humor, intellect and kindness, and that my man, is how I will always remember you. I will miss our many “debates” on almost anything and will always remember the good times at PERKS!
Rest In Peace My Man!! and I’ll Holla.

Love Terrence with two Rs

By: Laura Byerson

Laura Byerson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:00:24 +0000

My husband Terrence D. and I were deeply saddened by the news of Terence’s passing. We met Terence at The Bank of New York, while he was working his way through college and he bartended at our wedding 21 years ago. He and my husband would ARGUE, about the correct way to spell “Terence" or “Terrence", however both of them agreed on the middle initial “D” as being cool. Terence was a great person, selfless, loving and caring; who never forgot our birthdays even though we did not see each other often or maybe just in passing. He passed at the age of 44, while making history in the election of our 44th President…how amazing!! Terence D. Tolbert is a true American hero. May his soul rest in peace! Love Eternally, Laura and Terrence D. Byerson

By: Marcus Allison

Marcus Allison — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:32:11 +0000

I met Terence through a mutual friend, and I usually saw him at political events and in passing in Harlem; most recently I saw him at a wedding this past July. He had such a great sense of humor! At these events, as words bounced from person to person, all heads would turn expectantly when it was his turn to contribute, because there was always the expectation (and it was always fulfilled) that Terence would say something insightful, and incredibly funny. Today I went to his funeral, and it was moving, and inspiring. This brother lived such a short life, but within it he improved the quality of so many lives. His life is a lesson for me. I left the church inspired. Terence was such a brilliant mind. And so unassuming. I am happy that I met him. I read the comments about him and I pass along my condolences to those who knew him better than I. I can only extrapolate and imagine your loss, because with what little time I spent with the brother, I feel the impact of his passing.

By: Le'Kedra Robertson

Le'Kedra Robertson — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:50:10 +0000

Warm thoughts and prayers go out to the Tolbert Family. I met Terence in 2002 in NY and his energy and love just embraces you and make you feel cared about. Terence always joked about our first time meeting with a group of friends over dinner post the “Every Vote Counts” event at the Apollo. His humor would light up a room. It is still hard knowing he is no longer with us physically but his spirit, love, laughter, joy and inspiration will live on through the imprints he’s left on the many hearts he’s touched in his lifetime.
May God continue to be a blessing to his family as Terrance was to us.

Peace & Blessings

By: Albert Forbes

Albert Forbes — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:07:52 +0000

I was Terence’s Social Studies teacher at The Bronx High School of Science. While I do not remember what specific subject I taught him, the picture that comes to my mind is of a slim erect young man who was always polite, soft spoken, and had a good sense of humor and an engaging smile. I never knew what happened to Terence after he graduated, but I was thrilled to learn that he rose to such an important position at this time in our nation’s history.

By: Minister Melody Moore

Minister Melody Moore — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:42:33 +0000

My prayers are with the Tolbert family. Terrence was in my 7th and 8th grade class. I knew then that from his personality then that he would someday make positive and meaniful contributions to society and I am proud to have known him.

By: Jackie Griffin

Jackie Griffin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:24:52 +0000

I had the priviledge of meeting Terrence for the first time working on the Carl McCall Campaign, and the second time, working as an Intern for a GREAT Assemblyman the Honorable Keith Wright. Terrence our meetings were short but always with depth. Good soliders like yourself are rare, and far in between the meeting of another. You will be missed.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:02:57 +0000

I met Terence when we worked together at the NYS Senate in the early nineties. When he left the Senate to move on to bigger and better things I coordinated a small going away party for him and we lost touch. Just two weeks ago we reconnected on LinkedIn. I am shocked and horribly saddened. Terence was a fantastic individual and a great, great mind. My prayers and condolences to the family.

By: Dana Caraballo

Dana Caraballo — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:00:47 +0000

I was shocked and so sad when I heard the news of Terrence’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Terrence in 2005 and he has been a mentor to me ever since. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

By: Toni

Toni — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:19:58 +0000

My prayers go out to his Wife and Mother, I can’t stop crying for them and I am truly sorry for your loss. He will always be in my prayers, I will continue to pray for the loved ones he left behind. God Bless you all.

Love you always Toni a friend of Keith’s.

By: Cheryl Rowan-Ellis

Cheryl Rowan-Ellis — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:21:46 +0000

I had the honor of meeting and working for Terrence over 10 years ago when he hired me as Director of his church’s (St. Andrews) Summer Day Camp Program in Harlem. He was a great boss. Serious about handeling business, but always holding on to his sense of humor. His smile could and would not only brighten our day, but the children’s as well! God bless his wife, and mom know you’ve much to be proud of…job well done.

By: AL Martinez

AL Martinez — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:19:42 +0000

Terence was insightful, humorous, and delightful to know. My dealings with him on the political front afforded me the ability to know him as a decent and civil individual. A class act.

By: Denise Lee Shells

Denise Lee Shells — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:20:28 +0000

I met Terence at my good friend Basil Smikle’s Birthday Party. He was energetic, engaging, and posessed an ability to put people at ease. I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, mother, and friends. May God’s peace and abounding comfort be your portion.

By: earl francis

earl francis — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:49:48 +0000

i am saddened by the passing of terry he was a good man and a man of god i met him long time ago at church my prayer are with his family may his sole rest in peace

By: Helena Lewis

Helena Lewis — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:34:54 +0000

I am stunned about the passing of one man who made a significant difference to the community. I will miss Terrence for his caring ways. My birthday will never be the same without his call to say “hope you’re doing something great today. Happy Birthday.” I was fortunate to watch him grow from a high school student working with me at 131st Street Block Association to the dynamic political force that he has become. I will always remember him. My condolences go out to his wife Freida and his mother, Carolyn.