Mr John E. Theriault

Devoted to his family and his community

WATERBURY– It is with great sadness and profound grief that we announce the unexpected passing of John E. Theriault of Waterbury on Saturday December 16, 2023, in the comfort of his home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Veronica (Murphy) Theriault.

John was born in Waterbury on July 7, 1944, the son of the late Ernest and Julia (Graham) Theriault. He was educated in local schools and committed his life to education early on. He graduated from University of New Haven, and Southern CT State University where he earned his Masters and Sixth year degree. In 1969, he joined the City of Waterbury Department of Education where he devoted 32 years of his life to educating the city’s children as a Teacher, Principal, Administrator, and City-wide Coordinator. He was active in the Waterbury Teachers Association and School Administrators Association. His commitment to his community did not end with his teaching career. John was elected to the City of Waterbury, Board of Education twice; first in 2003 when he served for eight years and again in 2015 until 2017. He was a candidate for Mayor of the City in 2009. John also served his country proudly with the U.S. Army National Guard.

For many years John and Veronica ran a successful business, AJV Audiovisuals. Together they captured countless special moments and milestones. John also loved the outdoors. Fishing, ice fishing, hunting, and gardening were among his favorite hobbies, as well as woodworking, cooking, and entertaining guests in his home. He was also an active member in the Waterbury Elks Club #265. John had many passions, but without a doubt his greatest passion was saved for his family, as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Our family thanks you, Dad, for every prayer you uttered for us, for the many sacrifices you made for us, for the thousands of hugs you shared with us, and for the unending love you instilled in all of us. John Theriault was a stellar example of grace and class. He and Veronica instilled in their children a strong work ethic and the importance of family. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory, besides his wife of 37 years, John leaves his daughters Kate Stanco and her husband, Michael of Naugatuck, and Stacie (Riddle) Riley and her husband, Colton of Stamford. John and Veronica were blessed with three grandchildren: Savannah, Jordan and Vera. He also leaves his brother Norbert and his wife Angela, his sister Judy Koskelowski, his sister-in-law, Louise Theriault and his brother-in-law, Dan Murphy.

Funeral services for Mr. Theriault will be held on Friday December 22, 2023, when a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church 74 West Main St. Waterbury. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at church. Military honors will be accorded Mr. Theriault immediately following the Mass. Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. Relatives and friends may visit with the Theriault family on Thursday evening, December 21, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St @ Southmayd Rd., Waterbury. To honor John’s memory, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org would be greatly appreciated by his family. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.