July 18, 1942 – July 25, 2024
Mendon – William Richard “Billy” Therrien, 82, of Mendon, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by his loved ones, under hospice care.
Billy is survived by his wife of 16 years, Claudia Rick Therrien. He also leaves behind a son, Michael Therrien, of Oak Harbor, WA, and a daughter, Laura Therrien, of Ft. Pierce, FL. Additionally he is survived by his stepchildren, Michael DePuy of Sophia, NC, and Sheri DePuy of Celebration, FL.
He will be deeply missed by his brothers, David and his wife Nancy Therrien, and Herbert “Terry” Therrien, as well as his sister, Kathleen Malmquist, all of Grafton. Billy is also survived by four grandchildren; Kevin Therrien, Kelly Fisher, Bridget Ann Fisher, and Danielle Rose Therrien; a step-grandchild: Mikaela DePuy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Cahill Therrien, his father, James Herbert Therrien, and a sister, Diane Therrien Plante.
Born on July 18, 1942, in Milford Hospital, he called Grafton home. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1960. After graduation he served from 1960 – 1964 in the Navy 3rd class on the U.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA – 42, which was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. He worked at Heald’s Machine Shop, Sylvania Co. assigned to the minuteman missile control system, Anacon Power & Controls Co., Setra System, RCA, then as a self-employed carpenter, before returning to work for EMC as an A-System Engineer for 20 years, prior to retiring.
Billy was a passionate history enthusiast who also enjoyed riding his horse, Prince, driving his tractors and tending to his homestead. He also played a key role in establishing the ridge Valley Stables in Grafton in 1972.
He will be cremated and laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Grafton at a later date, convenient for his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Billy’s memory.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted.
