Albert A. Theriault, 90, of Mattapoisett, MA passed away on February 23, 2019 in the presence of members of his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Elizabeth (Daly) for 61 years, and lived as a year-round resident in Mattapoisett. Previously, he was a summer resident of Mattapoisett and lived in Holden, MA.
Born to the late Marie and Albert Theriault, Sr. on June 8, 1928, in Manhattan, NY he is survived by his sister Bernadette Zani and her husband Gerald Zani of Laconia, N.H. He is also survived by his daughter Mary-Alice Chasse and her husband Jeff Chasse of Sturbridge, MA, as well as his grandchildren Anthony Chasse and his wife Sarah, Emily Chasse, and Catherine Chasse. In addition, he is survived by his son John A. Theriault and his partner Scott C. Kellogg of Mattapoisett, MA.
A graduate of Brandeis University and University of Rhode Island, he was an accomplished teacher by profession. Bert was an English teacher and department head at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden, MA where he also coached the men’s cross-country and track teams. He then became a professor of English and Humanities at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA where he served as the English Department Head for a time and leader of the Faculty Concourse. He was honored upon retirement with the designation of Professor Emeritus.
In addition, he also taught English for a year in Amsterdam, Netherlands as a Fulbright Exchange teacher, and authored the book “Guide to Writing Term Papers” released in June 1971, as a teaching aide to students nationally.
He was active in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for forty-two years, serving as voluntary lighthouse keeper of the Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett for over two decades. He received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team
Commendation for his work to allow Auxiliary Lighthouse Adoption for the first time in 1995, and was known locally along with his wife Betty for giving tours of the lighthouse during the summer months.
In addition, Bert served his community as chair of the Town of Mattapoisett Personnel Board for a time, and continued to have an active interest in community affairs.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 2ndat 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be on Friday, March 1stfrom 4 – 7 p.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett.
