John “J” Joseph Therrien, 66, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly on November 15, 2014 at his home.

John was born on September 5, 1948 in St. Albans, Vermont to Gerard and Pauline (Lessor) Therrien. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1967 and enlisted into the Navy in 1968 after a year of college.

On December 12, 1970 John married Karene F. Barton while on leave and then returned to service during the Vietnam War for a total of four years. John was then employed by the US Post Office for the next 40 years and retired in 2012. After retirement, he continued to work in maintenance for the Hopkinton School District until his death. John enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, reading historical western novels, cooking, and spending time with his family.

John is survived by his wife; four children: Mike Therrien and wife Rachel and their three children, Michael, Alora, and Angelique; Lorie Collins and husband Galen of Loudon with their 10 children, Ashley, Amber, Lauren, Spencer, Lucas, Christopher, Allison, Emily, Liam, and one expected; Mary Therrien of Hopkinton with her two children, Josephine and Gabriel; Elaine Bouchard and husband Mike of Northfield with their three children, Cooper, Chloe, and Jackson; and his common-law son, Michael Gallagher of Pittsfield.

He is also survived by seven siblings: Jim Keiser and wife Helen of Northfield; Bill Therrien of Franklin; David Therrien and wife Barbara of Franklin; Cathy Therrien and boyfriend Mike Cote of Pacoima, California; Gary Therrien and Kathy of East Andover; Bonnie Chapman and husband Mike of Woodland Hills, California; Diane Bean and husband Larry of Sanbornton; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Gerard and Pauline Therrien, and siblings Paul, Linda, and Eddie.

Calling hours were held on November 20 at Bennett Funeral Home in Concord. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 21 at Christ the King Parish, St. John the Evangelist Church, in Concord. Interment with Military Honors was held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Wounded Warrior Project.