Remembering our Champion

Charlie Cono understood what it meant to overcome challenges. From his humble beginnings as the son of immigrants and the ensuing struggle to make his way in the world, Charlie never lost sight of the prize. In his lifetime he amassed wealth and good fortune through his savvy business sense. He enjoyed the finer things in life, including expensive cars, high profile friends, and a stable of race horses. But those who came to know Charlie Cono realized that those accomplishments were not the prize he sought; his daughter Charlette and grandchildren and making a difference in peoples’ lives were the true beacons that guided him. That was the real reward of a life well lived.  His philanthropy became clear the first time he walk through the door at TERI, and continued until this past week when he passed away.  Charlie Cono was TERI’s first multi-million dollar donor - he not only shared his business acumen, but became a personal friend as well as benefactor. But perhaps one of his greatest gifts was truly believing in our mission. 

Charlie will wholeheartedly be missed. As we celebrate the groundbreaking on our campus, the Charles R. Cono Center for Research & Life Planning, we too celebrate his memory, accomplishments and tremendous gift he gave to all of our families. 


Located on a 20-acre parcel of TERI-owned land in the Twin Oaks Valley of San Marcos, the new campus will accommodate all of TERIs non-residential programs including, research and therapeutic programs, the Center for
the Arts & Adult Education, The Learning Academy, The Country School, the Early Childhood Development Center, Therapeutic Equestrian and Aquatic Centers, the Fitness, Recreation & Community Center, and community training facilities. Construction costs are estimated at $35 million.

View the site plan of the Charles R. Cono Center for Research & Life Planning.

The project also allows for expansive park and recreation areas, leaving 80 percent of the grounds open as natural outdoor environments for the students to use and enjoy while preserving significant elements of the property, including a historic building.

The ultimate goal of this project is to continue our dedication to establishing quality standards and the development of new treatment methodologies for the special children and adults we serve.

For information on how you can participate in building TERI's future, please contact Laura E. White 760-721-1706.