DONALD L. THERRIEN GORHAM, NH

We are saddened to announce the passing of Donald L. Therrien, 94, of Gorham, on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH. Ducky was born in Berlin on August 29, 1932 the son of Frank L. and Aline (Tondreau) Therrien and lived on Cascade Hill before moving to the Flats.

Don developed his love of nature working for Brooks Dodge on Mt. Washington and built an early reputation as a natural athlete, especially as a baseball pitcher for the Berlin Red Sox while still in high school. After graduating from Gorham High School (Class of ‘51) he served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, serving as a radar technician on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska during the Korean War. While in the service, Don married his high school sweetheart Betty Ann Gately and they both lived in Oklahoma before he was discharged and they moved back to New Hampshire. He used the GI Bill to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in teaching from Keene State College (Class of ‘60), where he was a 4-year starter in baseball for the Owls. He later continued his education with a Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in 1970. During this time, Don and Betty spent summers as the Arts & Crafts Director and Nurse at Camp Huckins on Ossipee Lake from 1956-1964, and also had their first child, Bradley, in 1956.

Don taught Industrial Arts at Ellington High School for 35 years beginning in 1960. But really, that was just an excuse to coach baseball. Ducky guided the Purple Knights to 106 wins from 1966-1976, taking a team that finished 0-20 in his first season as coach to the Class S State Championship in 1971 and enduring countless renditions of Old MacDonald’s Farm on bus rides home after a victory. And on the same day in 1965 he signed the deed to their house in Coventry, CT and added a second son, Toby, to the family. After retiring in 1995, Ducky and Betty moved back to Cascade Flats, started picking blueberries and playing golf at the Androscoggin Valley Country Club, and taught their grandsons Dylan and Erik how to call for moose.

When Betty died, Don was blessed to be introduced to Sue Cyr where everyone seems to meet in Gorham - at Mary’s Pizza. They had 13 years filled with love and devotion. We were extremely grateful for the compassion and kindness the entire Cyr family showed our father, including his special friend Kali.

Don was predeceased by Betty and his siblings Dorren Peer, Olive Fabisiak and Frank Therrien, Jr. He is survived by his wife Sue Cyr-Therrien; his sons Bradley and Toby of Coventry, CT; his beloved daughter-in-law Tracey Therrien of Reading, PA, and grandchildren Dylan and Erik; as well the many nieces and nephews he equally adored.

Per Donald's request, there will be no services. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , or to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative Care where Don spent his last days in peace at D-H.org/JackByrneCenter . The Bryant Funeral Home in Gorham is in charge of the arrangements. Online guestbook at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.