Roger Therrien

Roger Therrien, 64, of Boxford passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born February 16, 1962, he was the son of the late Reginald and Lorraine (Thibedeau) Therrien and the fifth of their six children.

Roger was a devoted husband, deeply involved father, and steadfast family man who approached life with practical wisdom, curiosity, and an adventurous, industrious spirit. Grounded and gregarious, he had a gift for making others feel welcome and capable. His warmth and steady presence shaped the lives of those around him.

He grew up in Lynn, attending St. Joseph's School and later Lynn English High School. He went on to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, where he met the love of his life, Louise. They built a 40-year marriage grounded in partnership, love of learning, and shared adventure.

Roger built a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer on the North Shore for more than three decades. Known for his resourcefulness and solution-oriented mindset, he was often ahead of his time, developing a machine learning process for GE jet engine blades in the late 1980s. He later transitioned into the semiconductor industry and ultimately into supply chain management, where he designed innovative planning systems that strengthened operations and reflected the way his mind naturally worked: practical, precise, and always improving what could be improved.

That same problem-solving spirit carried into every corner of his life. There was always a home project underway, replacing foundation walls, remodeling bathrooms, building decks, porches, and sheds. He loved staying active from an early age, swimming in the ocean and in his backyard pool, and playing soccer well beyond high school, counting down the days until he could join the over-30 league. In later years, he turned his energy toward hiking and biking. In 2014, he completed all forty-eight 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire, many alongside his youngest daughter, Kelli, on treasured father-daughter trips. He found joy not just in reaching summits, but in bringing others along for the climb.

Family was the center of Roger's life. He coached his children for many years with the BAA soccer league and served as a Boy Scout leader with Troop 51, sharing countless adventures throughout New England and beyond, including two treks to Philmont. Family vacations were often spent in the White Mountains, hiking, kayaking, swimming, skiing, and embracing each new challenge together.

Roger is survived by his wife of 40 years, Louise (Netter) Therrien; his children Caitlin Dowling and her husband Victor of Old Greenwich, CT; Meghan Therrien of Austin, TX; Ryan Therrien of Fulton, MO; and Kelli Therrien of Boston, MA. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Grace and Reed Dowling, and Silas and Lane Therrien. He is also survived by his siblings Susan Benham, Joanne Lyons, Karen Chase, and Stephen Therrien, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, David. His legacy lives on in the resilience, curiosity, and love of adventure he instilled in his family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers and the Kaplan Family Hospice House for their extraordinary compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger's memory to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Kaplan Family Hospice House, or the Alzheimer's Association.

A Mass celebrating Roger's life will be held on March 21 at 2:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima, Topsfield; a reception to follow at 10 Elm Street, Boxford. All who knew and loved Roger are welcome to attend and share memories.