Terence O'Neill Peddicord

Terence O’Neill Peddicord of Pasadena, MD died on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the age of 74. He worked as a community news journalist for 34 years and later served five years as a District Court Commissioner in Harford County, Md. before retiring in 2014. Called “Terry” by family and friends, that is also how newspaper readers came to know him from his byline on hundreds of articles published by The Aegis in Bel Air and the Cecil Whig in Elkton, Md. where he spent the bulk of his newspaper career. Starting as a reporter at the Whig in 1975, Terry expanded his experience covering courts and police news for five years at the then family-owned Aegis. The weekly paper, operated by the Worthington family for three generations, was extremely popular with Harford Countians at a time when six different newspapers fiercely competed for their attention. Returning to the Cecil Whig in 1983 as its news editor, Terry also continued reporting. His coverage of a two-year political corruption investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office garnered him a top award with the Suburban Newspapers of America in 1985. He received first place for In-Depth Reporting recognizing 52 articles Terry wrote about the bribery and county road contract kickback scheme involving two Cecil County politicians. As the Whig made its transition to publishing twice a week in 1986 and publishing daily in 1989, Terry was instrumental in guiding the editorial department’s role in the expansions. He was promoted to editor in 1992. He worked at the Whig for 29 years. Leaving the Whig in 2009 after the paper was sold and subsequent economic problems nearly closed the doors for a lot of community papers, Terry moved from Cecil County to Bel Air where he obtained employment with the Harford County District Court. His background as a reporter, especially covering courts in Harford County, gave him a unique and helpful perspective for serving as a judicial officer -- a District Court Commissioner. Born on Nov. 25, 1949 to Robert Clagett Peddicord and Catherine Agnes O’Neill of Baltimore, Terry was the middle child in a family of ten. They lived in the Mount Washington area. Survived by four sisters and four brothers, his brother Anthony (Tony) preceded him in death. His parents are buried at a cemetery in Bel Air. Terry married the love of his life, Melanie Langley, in 1978. Still together after 45 years. In addition to Melanie he is survived by a son, Michael Peddicord and his wife, Sarah, and a daughter Ashley Peddicord-Austin and her husband Kurt Austin. Also four grandsons, Aiden and Chase Peddicord, Connor and Caleb Austin. “Being a Pop-Pop was my greatest accomplishment and joy,” Terry said. “A happy marriage and two wonderful kids. I was a lucky man.” Private services will be held at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or your preferred charity.

Terence O'Neill Peddicord

November 25, 1949 - January 4, 2024