Matthew Therrien Obituary, Johnstown, NY In Loving Memory Of Matthew Therrien
Matthew Therrien Obituary, Death – Matthew J. Therrien, 64, of Johnstown, NY, died quietly at home on April 18, 2023, after a long illness. Matt was one of five children born to the late Joyce and Raymond Therrien on March 6, 1959, in Glens Falls. His parents and brother, David Therrien of Whitehall, died before him.
Matt graduated in 1978 from Whitehall High School, where he was a standout football player and well-liked student. He joined the Marines after graduating and worked as a Helicopter Fuelman until 1982. In Tempe, Arizona, he worked as a house-framing carpenter, where he met his future wife Shirley (Marin) Therrien in 1989. After returning to New York in 1990, he retired from the City of Johnstown, where he worked as a maintenance technician for the Department of Public Works for 27 years.
Anyone who has been to Johnstown City Hall, the courtroom, or even the visitor’s booth on Main Street has unintentionally seen his work. Matt also left his mark on Johnstown by building decks, home expansions, and garages in his spare time. Matt was a friendly, outgoing person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was also a service-minded individual, a friend who was always willing to provide a helping hand. He will be remembered fondly by the hundreds of students in Johnstown High School’s International Club as the mastermind behind the Haunted House, which he co-created with his oldest daughter Jessica in 1999 and conducted every October for ten years.
The Haunted House was so popular that it earned enough money to renovate the old garage into the Johnstown Area Community Center (JACC). As the JACC’s first Board President, he spearheaded JACC fundraising events such as the 4th of July Fireworks at Knox Field, which raised thousands of dollars for local scholarships for Johnstown High School students. Matt is survived by his 34-year spouse, Shirley Therrien, and his three kids, Jessica Scheuler, Whitnie Darrow (Josh), and Erin Therrien. He is very pleased with Olivia Darrow and Noah Therrien, his two grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Susan Harke (Paul), brothers Danny Therrien (Sandy) and Mark Therrien (Christine), and several nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes, there will be no funeral, but rather a celebration of life at a later date. In Matthew’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnstown Area Community Center or Mountain Valley Hospice, both of which his family wishes to thank for their care and support. The A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown, NY, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.agcolefuneralhome.com.