

John W. Theriot, CPA and forensic accountant, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, respected business leader, and devoted servant of the New Orleans community, passed away suddenly at his Metairie home on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
John was born on November 29, 1961. He grew up in Metairie, one block from the Kenner line. John was a proud alumnus of St. Lawrence the Martyr and Archbishop Rummel High School, class of 1979. John went on to graduate from Nicholls State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and later earned a Masters of Accounting from Tulane University.
He began his career with Malcolm M. Dienes, LLC in 1983. For more than four decades, John distinguished himself as one of Louisiana’s most respected forensic accounting experts. Through endless dedication, integrity, and exceptional professional skill, he rose through the ranks to become Managing Partner of MMD.
Throughout his career, John earned numerous professional honors and accolades. He was recognized by Nicholls State University as “Another Success Story,” named Catholic School Alumnus of the Year by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was honored as Alumnus of the Year by Archbishop Rummel High School, received the Deus Providebit Award from Archbishop Chapelle High School, and was presented with the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants Distinguished Public Service Award.
John’s love for Archbishop Rummel High School was evident throughout his life. He generously shared his time, talents, and resources, working tirelessly to support and honor the school that meant so much to him. His dedication and commitment will leave a lasting impact on the Rummel community.
Yet, those who knew John best understood that his greatest accomplishments were never listed on a résumé. John was a man of deep faith, profound generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others. He devoted countless hours to organizations that strengthened the New Orleans community, especially Catholic education and charitable causes. He served in many leadership roles including the Louisiana Society of CPA’s; Governing Board of Ochsner Baptist Medical Center; Archdiocese of New Orleans, Advisory School Board; Office of Catholic School-Central Schools Consortium; Boy Scouts of America; Film and Video Production Committee, appointed by Jefferson Parish President; BKR International: Forensic Accounting Committee, Chairman; Workforce Investment Board for Jefferson Parish; Archbishop Rummel High School Advisory Board, President; St. Michael Special School, Finance Committee/Blue Rose Ball Chairman; Eastbank Little League Executive Board, Treasurer; Archbishop Chapelle High School Advisory Board, President; Mount Carmel Academy, Finance Committee; and the Catholic Foundation, Board of Directors.
In 2020, John reigned as King of the Krewe of Iris, and in 2022, he was the Irish Grand Marshal of the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade.
John believed that success carried with it a responsibility to give back. Whether serving on advisory boards, mentoring young professionals, supporting Catholic schools, or quietly helping families and organizations navigate challenges, he approached every endeavor with humility, wisdom, and compassion.
Above all, John cherished his family. He was the devoted husband of Joanna Goodrum Theriot for 35 wonderful years. Together they built a home grounded in faith, love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. He was a proud and loving father to Whitney Theriot Winebrenner (Shane), Anna Claire Theriot, and Ella Elise Theriot (Hunter Neely). Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his daughters grow into remarkable women and celebrating their accomplishments.
In recent years, John embraced perhaps his favorite role of all—that of grandfather, “Bubba”, which was also his childhood nickname. His beloved granddaughters, Hattie Louise Winebrenner and Josephine Theriot Neely, brought immeasurable happiness to his life. He delighted in every moment spent with them and treasured the opportunity to share in their lives.
John will be remembered for his steady presence, thoughtful counsel, quick wit, generous heart, and unwavering faith. He possessed a rare ability to make people feel valued and heard. Whether in the boardroom, at church, in the community, or out to dinner, he led by example and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
John was preceded in death by his father Whitney J. “Pete” Theriot, Jr.; mother, Audrey Ann Zeringue Theriot; siblings, Whitney J. Theriot, III and Sally Theriot Roccaforte; sister-in-law, Christy Kennedy Theriot; father-in-law, Felix “Peebie” Goodrum, Jr.; and nephew, Capt. Mikee C. Mayronne.
John was proud to be the youngest of his ten siblings. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Beverly Bates Goodrum; his siblings, Gerald J. Theriot (Myrn Claire), Kevin M. Theriot (Kathy), Barry T. Theriot, Nancy T. Stoltz (Richard), Jane T. Kuchler (John), Audrey T. Mayronne (Mike), Theresa T. Fisse (John); his brother-in-law, Gerald J. Roccaforte; sister-in-law, Carolyn G. Pratt (Robert); nieces and nephews: Katie K. Dupont (Bryan), Jill T. Gaudet (Jeremy), Angelle T. Gallers (Mike), Zachary Love, Gerald “Joey” Roccaforte, John “Bub” Kuchler (Sarah), Brian Theriot (Jamie), Brittany Courtenay (Jimmy), Laura M. Rittiner (Bryan), Jonathan Stoltz (Natalie), Wesley Fisse (Andree), Melissa A. Stoltz, Annie E. Roccaforte, Daniel Theriot, Joshua Stoltz (Kelsey), Diana F. Lockhart (Michael), Mary T. Foster (Grant), Jacob Stoltz (Faustina), Johnny Fisse (Natalie), Parker Theriot, Peyton Theriot (Margaret), Michael Pratt, Grayson Pratt (Melissa), Andrew Pratt (Carson), Davis Pratt, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation and funeral services at St. Rita Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline Street, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Visitation begins at 9:00AM until the funeral mass at 12:00PM. Private burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John W. Theriot Endowment Fund at Archbishop Rummel High School: https://www.rummelraiders.com/theriot.html
The family asks that those attending the funeral wear red, Columbia blue, or green in honor of Archbishop Rummel High School and Tulane University. Thank God Almighty…I’m a Raider! Roll Wave!
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