Terry Lee Bigler, 78

November 26, 2024

Terry Lee Bigler, 78, a resident of Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, passed away November 26, 2024.

Born in Lancaster to the late John and Pauline Bigler, Terry was a graduate of Hempfield High School, Class of 1964. He honorably served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Prior to moving to Elizabethtown, he was a long-time resident of Ephrata.

Terry built a successful career in the travel and hospitality industries, spending 21 years in the hotel industry before owning and operating Zeller Travel in Lancaster for 27 years. A passionate traveler, he visited destinations across the globe.

In addition to travel, Terry was an avid theatergoer and patron. He previously served on the Board of the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, whose Sharadin Bigler Theater was named in recognition of his contributions.
In 2022, he partnered with the Lancaster County Community Foundation to pledge initial funding for the Foundation’s newly-formed LGBTQ+ Giving Circle, which provides grants to organizations addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ communities within Lancaster County.

His philanthropic legacy will continue through the Sharadin Bigler Fund at the Community Foundation.

Terry is survived by his husband, Terry Kurtz, as well as many friends and extended family members.

In accordance with Terry’s wishes no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle, c/o Lancaster County Community Foundation, https://www.lancfound.org/fund/lgbtq-giving-circle-fund/