1930 – 2016

SOUTH PARIS — Elbert “Bert” Theriault, 85, formerly of Waldo Street in Rumford, passed away Monday, June 27, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris with his loving family at his side.

He was born Aug. 7, 1930, in Rumford to Stella (Parise) and Leo Theriault. Bert attended Rumford schools and elected to forgo an academic scholarship from Bentley College to serve his country in the Air Force during the Korean conflict.

After having proudly served as a senior topographical photo interpreter during wartime, Bert elected to return to Rumford where he began working at Oxford Paper Co. He was a co-owner of “Bert’s Market” in the Lithuanian enclave of Rumford at the block of his future wife, Virginia Koris. He then became a mail carrier which led him to eventually be named the assistant postmaster in Rumford, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Bert was a member of many fraternal organizations including the Rumford Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as a proud and active member for decades of the Rumford Elks. His work ethic as well as desire to humor all and make friends made him an ideal part-time bartender at these facilities.

Bert was a coach, mentor and a loyal friend to many in the community. He loved all of New England’s sports teams but was most passionate about his Red Sox. He played many sports daily, including basketball until he was 65. Billiards, softball, bowling and horseshoes were a few of his favorites. He went on to win Maine state horseshoe and billiards championships, earning the moniker “Bank-Shot Bert.” His love of golf later in life opened many more friendships and countless stories as his verve for golf and competitive nature were legendary.

Surviving are his children, Lisa Hanson and husband, Bruce, of Rumford, Raymond Theriault and wife, Michelle, of Orlean, Va., Steven Theriault and wife, Charlene, of South Berwick, and Timothy Theriault and wife, Kristina, of Ringwood, N.J.; three brothers, Lawrence Theriault and wife, Bobbie, of Boca Raton, Fla., John Theriault and wife, Marilyn, of Clearwater, Fla., and Phillip Theriault and wife, Sally, of Westbrook; a sister-in-law, Gloria Theriault of Rumford; companion, Nancy Hebert of Rumford; and 10 grandchildren, Jessica Sayers and husband, Brad, Stefan Theriault and wife, Danielle, Michael Hanson and wife, Hannah ,Victoria Ahlers, Alina Theriault, Nicco Palmucci, Jackson Theriault, Amelia Theriault, Sarah Theriault and Roland Theriault.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Stella; his wife, Virginia (Koris) Theriault; a son, Steven; brothers, Raymond and Norman; and his in-laws, Emelia and John.

The family would like to offer a very special thank-you to the wonderful staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris for the wonderful, loving care they gave to Bert.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Theriault family by visiting their guest book at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.