The Capuchin Franciscan friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother,
Br. Richard Therrien, OFM Cap., who passed suddenly from this life on Aug. 3, 2026, in Yonkers, N.Y., at the age of seventy-eight.

He was born in Central Falls, R.I., on March 8, 1948, to Flora Blanche Le Clair and Lawrence Ernest Therrien. He entered the novitiate on Aug. 31, 1969, and professed his perpetual vows on Sept. 8, 1973. A lay brother, he served on the formation staff and as tailor at St. Anthony Friary, Hudson, N.H., then on the parish staff at St. Pius X, Middletown, Conn.; Sacred Heart, Yonkers, N.Y.; and St. John the Baptist, New York City.

He distinguished himself as a teacher of religion at Sacred Heart High School, Yonkers (1986-1992, 1997-1998), where he became chair of the theology department; and Mount St. Michael High School, Bronx, N.Y. (1992-1997). His years teaching Christology at Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains, N.Y. (2004-2011), were among his most enjoyable in the classroom. To prepare for his ministry, he received a B.A. in theology at St. Anselm College, Manchester, N.H., in 1986, followed by an M.A. in systematic theology at St. Michael College, Winooski, Vt., in 1992. He also served the Province in the vocation ministry, 1998-2002, and on the interprovincial formation council.

After he retired from Stepinac, he served in adult faith formation while in residence at St. Conrad Friary, White Plains (2011-2013), St. Clare Friary, Yonkers (2013-2019), and St. Lawrence Friary, Beacon, N.Y., (2019-2025).

His survivors include a sister, Diane Margarite Hyde, and nephews Joshua and Nathan Hyde. Another sister, Agnes Louise, a member of the Sisters of Ste. Chretienne, predeceased him.

A wake will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y. The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, N.Y. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Province of St. Mary in memory of Br. Richard Therrien in support of the continued good works of the Capuchin Franciscan friars. You can send your donations to the Capuchin Mission & Development Office, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.