Elbert Roland Theriault

Elbert "Bert" Theriault, age 85, formerly of Waldo Street, passed away on Monday June 27, 2016 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris with his loving family at his side. He was born on August 7, 1930 in Rumford, Maine to Stella (Parise) and Leo Theriault.

Bert attended Rumford schools and elected to forego 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 Company.

He also 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 Post Master 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 with 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, ME, and Timothy Theriault and wife Kristina of Ringwood, NJ; three brothers, Lawrence Theriault and wife Bobbie of Boca Raton, FL, John Theriault and wife Marilyn of Clearwater, FL, and Phillip Theriault and wife Sally of Westbrook, ME; a sister in law Gloria Theriault of Rumford; companion Nancy Hebert of Rumford; and ten 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 very special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris for the wonderful loving care they gave to Bert.