Neil E. Tergesen, 87, passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2024, at his home in Rye, N.Y. 

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1936, he graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in 1954 and from Princeton University four years later. It was in his senior year at Princeton that he met his future wife, Mary Emmons, at a dance. 

They were married in 1963 and, two years later, settled in Rye.

Mr. Tergesen served in the Army National Guard of New York State and the Army Reserves from 1959 to 1962. 

He began his career in the advertising industry and worked his way up to account executive at several prominent agencies, including Grey, Needham Harper & Steers, Kenyon & Eckhardt, James Jordan, and Doyle Dane Bernbach. Among his clients were Kellogg’s, Amtrak, Bacardi, and New York Telephone. 

Mr. Tergesen did volunteer work for Princeton University, the United Way, and the Ad Council, which produces public service announcements. He was a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Church in Rye.

A proud Norwegian American, he was the devoted son of Ann and Tom Tergesen and adored his younger sister, Linda. He enjoyed hosting the entire family for birth-days, holidays, and summer gatherings. 

From a young age, he loved spending time on the water. He kept a small motorboat near Breezy Point in Queens, where he had spent childhood summers. 

He made sure his children became strong swimmers and spent hours teaching them how to swim (and survive his surprise attacks) at Rye Golf Club, at Breezy Point, and at the family’s favorite lake in Maine.

A lifelong athlete, he was a member of the crew team at Princeton and played golf and tennis. He also enjoyed opera and classical music. 

While a devoted fan of the Mets and the Rye Garnets, he cheered the loudest for his grandchildren in all their endeavors. 

Known for his compassion, loyalty, sense of humor, and large laugh, Neil Tergesen was a thoughtful, sincere man who wanted to include everyone in the fun. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Anne and Jim Windels of New York City; Kristine (Kay) and Lucas Fox of Petaluma, Calif.; Louise (Didi) and Karl Seiberling of Lee Vining, Calif; and Mark and Alexis Kravitz Tergesen of Brooklyn; his eight grandchil-dren; and his sister, Linda Dexnis and her husband David Dexnis of Bluffton, S.C. 

A private memorial service will be held. 

Donations in Neil Tergesen’s memory can be made to the Rye Women’s Interfaith Group, c/o Janet Meyers, 57 High Point Circle, Rye Brook, N.Y. 10573.