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 grew up in Cascade Flats. Don worked for Brooks Dodge on Mt. Washington through high school and built an early reputation as a baseball pitcher for the Berlin Red Sox. After graduating from Gorham High School, 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. After moving back to New Hampshire, he used the GI Bill to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in teaching from Keene State College, which he later expanded to 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 Michael 1956.

Don taught Industrial Arts at Ellington High School for 35 years beginning in 1960. But really, that was just an excuse to be a coach. Ducky won 106 baseball games from 1966-1976, taking a team that finished 0-20 in his first season as coach to a Class S State Championship in 1971 and enduring countless renditions of Old MacDonald’s Farm on bus rides after a victory. And on the same day in 1965 he signed the deed to his new house in Coventry, CT and added a second son, Toby Allyn, to the family.

After retiring in 1995, Ducky and Betty moved back to Cascade Flats and started picking blueberries and playing golf at the Androscoggin Valley Country Club.

After Betty died, Don was blessed to be introduced to Sue Cyr where everyone is introduced in Gorham - at Mary’s Pizza. They had 13 years filled with love before his recent decline.

Don was predeceased by Betty and his siblings Dorren Peer, Olive Fabisiak and Frank Therrien, Jr. He is survived by his wife Sue Cyr; 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 as many nieces and nephews.

Per Donald's request, there will be no services. Donations in his memory may be made to the ALS Hope Foundation, which focuses on patient care, or to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative Care where Don spent his last days in peace. The Bryant Funeral Home in Gorham is in charge of the arrangements. Online guestbook at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.