Therence Wesley DeCorse

Therence Wesley DeCorse, 47, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on May 5, 2021 after a month-long battle with COVID and COVID related illnesses.

Therence was born on June 13, 1973 to Charles DeCorse and Gretchen Graef in Phoenix, Arizona. He was proud of his Native American ancestry and was an enrolled member of the Quechan Indian Tribe, in Winterhaven, California. Therence moved to Tucson at the age of five and considered Tucson his home ever since

Therence graduated from University High School (UHS) in 1991, where he competed in swimming and was on the National Championship Chess Team. He also had a passion for math and science. After graduating from UHS, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona (U of A). He worked for Keane for 2 years, and Sunquest Information Systems for over 8 years.

With determination, he returned to the U of A and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He worked for Tucson Electric Power (TEP) in their Distribution Planning Department and then in their Transmission Planning Department.

Therence had a sparkle in his eyes, big smile and even a bigger heart. He regularly volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Primavera. He helped friends and family and worked to support small business owners impacted by the pandemic.

He was an avid hiker, camper, loved competing in CrossFit competitions, reading and traveling. One of Therence's most notable hobbies was bringing friends to the table to play any number of card, video, board, or tabletop RPG games. Therence had a knack for bringing eclectic groups of people from different walks of life together which flowered many lasting friendships over the years.

Therence is preceded in death by grandparents Henry and Theresa DeCorse and Sue and Victor Graef.

Therence is survived by his father, Charles DeCorse, step-mother Rebecca, mother Gretchen Graef, his sister Megan Hendrickson (DeCorse), brother-in-law Lee, nephew Miles, step-grandmother Joy Williams, and a multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles.

“T” or “Big T”, as his friends and family called him, had a giant compassionate, and sensitive heart. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known such a wonderful man.

A Memorial Service will be held on what would have been his 48th birthday, Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Christ Community Church, located at 530 S Pantano Rd, Tucson, AZ. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider donating to Therence’s favorite local charities: the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona or the Primavera Foundation Tucson. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 9:00 am at East Lawn Palm Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona.