John P. Theriault

John Paul Theriault — longtime high school football coach, physical education teacher, Driver’s Education instructor, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather — passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, his longtime second home, surrounded by his family and caregivers. He was 92.

The son of Dora and Joseph Theriault, John was born at home in Waterville, Maine, on May 19, 1933, the youngest of twelve children. His mother passed away when he was very young, and he was lovingly raised in large part by his sisters, Rita and Jefferine, who always held a special place in his heart. Growing up with very little, John often shared with his family that he came from very humble beginnings as a child. Despite these circumstances, he created a life full of meaning, opportunity, and love. His story stands as a testament to what determination, hard work, and the strength of relationships can achieve.

A gifted athlete, John often credited football as his “meal ticket” — a gateway that opened doors to education, military service, and lifelong opportunities. He lived by the lessons the game taught him, and he passed those lessons on to his students, players, children, and grandchildren. One of his guiding philosophies was encouraging others to “keep making your funnel bigger — the bigger the funnel, the bigger your opportunities.”

John met his wife of 65 years, Celeste (Roderick), at Waterville High School, where he was a football and basketball standout. After graduating in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955. He was a private in the Medical Corps of the USAR/AMEDS division, and during his service, he also played football for Army teams. He returned home on leave during the Fourth of July weekend in 1955 to marry his high school sweetheart, Celeste, in their home state of Maine.

After completing his service, John used the GI Bill to attend the University of Maine from 1955 to 1959, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education in 1965. John and Celeste lived in the University’s married student housing, where they welcomed their two sons, Jeffery and Stephen. They often reminisced about those years as “the time of their lives,” filled with enduring friendships, Sunday steak dinners at John’s fraternity, and a strong sense of community. Many of those friendships endured well into their 80s.

John’s career in education and coaching began in Maine and New Hampshire, but in 1967, he and his family moved to Florham Park, New Jersey, where he accepted a position as head football coach and physical education teacher at Hanover Park High School. For the next 22 years — until his retirement in 1989 — John dedicated himself to Hanover Park, where he also coached track and field, hockey, and taught Driver’s Education. His influence on the lives of countless students and athletes was profound and lasting. Many stayed in touch with him, sharing visits, phone calls, and letters until the end of his life.

During his career he was fortunate to be named Morris County “Coach of the Year.” He also led his football team to an outright championship for the Jersey Hills Conference in 1968 and was co-champions of the conference in 1970. John coached several standout athletes — including one football player who went on to play in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints. Known for his toughness, discipline, and work ethic, John often reminded his players, “Keep your nose to the grindstone and don’t let it get too far from you.”

John’s heart always returned to Maine. He spent as much time as possible there, enjoying lake life, the outdoors, and especially Maine lobster. Later in life, he and Celeste divided their time between Maine, New Jersey, and Deerfield Beach, Florida, where they drove up and down the East Coast together well into their late 80s. Florida eventually became John’s primary residence, and after his beloved wife Celeste passed away in 2020, he was blessed to be under the dedicated care of his private nurses, led with love and loyalty by his main nurse, Altha.

A true competitor, John loved staying active. He was an avid golfer and racquetball player, and in retirement, he found joy in the game of bocce ball with friends in his Florida community. He also enjoyed cruises, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and reading — always keeping his mind sharp.

Of all his roles in life, “Grampy” was his favorite. He was a devoted and very involved grandfather to four grandchildren. He never missed a chance to spend weekends with his grandchildren, hosting sleepovers with Celeste, cheering from the sidelines at baseball, softball, track, and cheerleading events, and sharing his love of sports with the next generation. His influence was felt as deeply by his grandkids as it was on the football field.

John’s roots in Maine remained strong throughout his life. One of his final wishes was for his granddaughter to bring her children there — to experience the lobsters he loved so much, the scenic beauty of the wilderness and rugged coast, and to witness the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, a place that always held his heart.

John is now reunited with his wife, Celeste, and his son, Stephen in heaven. He is survived by his son Jeffery (wife Patricia), four grandchildren — Aimee (m. Jon Beam), Justin (m. Charlotte Vriesema), Brandon (m. Jenna Dickinson), and Ryan — and three great-grandchildren, Max, Ben, and Annie Beam.