Ronald Laurin Theriault

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Ronald Laurin Theriault, of New Orleans, La., passed away on August 6th, 2020 at the age of 76. Ron was born to Geneva (Kaulback) and Noel Theriault in Rumford, on July 23, 1944. He grew up the third eldest of seven children, all boys, and graduated from Stephens High School in 1962. Upon graduation, Ron joined the Navy and in 1972 was married to Beverly (née Innis). They were married in California and raised two children. In order to be closer to Bev’s family in Wisconsin, they and their young children moved to Appleton, where they lived for three happy years and grew close to Bev’s family. In 1983, Ron and his family moved back to Rumford, where he and Bev owned and operated Ted’s Pizza on Prospect Avenue for more than ten fun – and busy – years. With great pride, at the age of 56, Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Services and became a social worker. He would be the first to say that all the documentation necessary in social work was his biggest challenge, but his family and his clients would agree that his compassion, dedication, and relationships with his clients were positive and life-changing for all involved. His strong work ethic and deep empathy often led him to make himself available to those in need. A lifelong Catholic, Ron’s faith was an important part of his life. He served as a eucharistic minister and became a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. Ron was also a member of the Portland, ME Elks Lodge #188. On Friday nights at the Elks, he and Bev relished the opportunity to dance, fast or slow — especially the jitterbug. After his many years in social work, Ron and Bev retired, took up life on the road in their RV, and later moved south to New Orleans. While there, Ron delighted in taking care of his two grandsons and would often exclaim, “Now, how can you leave them?!” We will surely miss his joyful heart, his cheerful generosity, and his enthusiasm for and dedication to all family and friends. There was rarely a hesitation or a distance too far to travel for a wedding, a funeral, a graduation ― or any other celebration!Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly; his two children, Tanya (Matt Vogel) of New Orleans, and Troy of San Diego; his grandchildren, Luke and Xavier; three brothers: James and his wife Mary of Rumford, Frank (Dan) and his wife Robyn of Waukesha, WI, Kenneth and his partner Grace Fendlay of Towson, Md., and his sister-in-law, Mary Lou of Rumford, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers: George, Richard and his wife Linda, and William. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.comA funeral mass was held at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in New Orleans on August 14th, 2020. Due to the pandemic, services in his hometown of Rumford, were postponed. A visitation will be held at Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin Street, on August 6, 4-7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church, 126 Maine Avenue, on August 7, 10 a.m., with burial to follow at St John’s Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the American Legion, 184 Congress Street, 12-4 p.m. All are welcome. Because Ron so prized higher education and took such joy in his grandchildren, a college fund has been established for them in his honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grampy’s College Fund, C/O Tanya Theriault, 1784 Pratt Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122.

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