Conrad Richard Theroux

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Conrad Richard Theroux

September 8, 1970 – November 2, 2023

CDR Conrad Richard Theroux (USCG-Ret), 53, loving husband, devoted father, and loyal brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on November 2, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Juliette (neé Marchioli), and children, Gabe (17), Angelina (15), Genevieve (13), Madeleine (12) and Celeste (10). Born in Hartford, CT, on September 8, 1970, he was a proud graduate of Windham Tech High School (’89) and the United States Coast Guard Academy (’94).

From a young age, Conrad was simultaneously thrifty and generous. His prudent inclinations were driven by a genuine desire to understand how things worked, always eager to repair, rebuild or rewire. But they were (truthfully) more motivated by a preference for minimizing expenditures – if he could fix or build it himself, why pay someone else to do it? Conversely, his extravagant nature was demonstrated by an inexhaustible affection for his family and friends, and the simple truth that actions speaker louder than words. His voice, therefore, was a resounding roar.

Conrad was thrifty with his finances. But not cheap. He chose carefully which charities to donate to, helped plan affordable family vacations across the U.S. and Europe, and was simply judicious about spending. Although, once upon a time that distinction was unclear, so much so that his and Juliette’s love story might never have been after a fateful date. The story goes: shortly after arriving at a fancy restaurant, he pulled out a two-for-one coupon for that night’s dinner. While being frugal was a blessing in their marriage, on that night, his wife-to-be was not impressed.

Conrad was generous with his love. He adored his children, always making time for homework help, long walks and nightly snuggles. He was present at nearly every occasion of their hockey, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, swimming, gymnastics, ballet, piano and band events. He cheered so loudly that those around him would exchange looks. He was oddly joyful when changing diapers, and never complained about the sleepless nights. His pride in his children knew no bounds. And each decision he made was to ensure their happiness and wellbeing.

Conrad was thrifty with home and family projects. He was thrilled to install flooring, paint walls, fix electronics, mow the lawn, and so much more. He built a go-kart with his son, taught his daughters how to change tires and strung a giant zipline across the backyard. The most fitting example: had he been able, he would have been more than happy to build his own casket. The benefits? Financial savings, for sure, but more importantly, a family project that everyone could have participated in, from using power tools to picking out just the right stain color to match that of St. Pope JPII.

Conrad was generous with his faith. He lived each day according to the true beauty of the Scriptures. His gentle example of living for others, quiet humility, selflessness, infinite patience, of love and charity, will always remain an inspiration. He rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was a man of integrity, always putting what was right ahead of what was easy, inspired by Jesus’ example at every turn.

Conrad was thrifty in sport and adventure. On the football field for his entire high school career, he waited patiently for a win that was never to be. While climbing to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, he breathed steadily, placing one foot in front of the other until he reached the very top. In the surf, he held his toddlers carefully and shielded them from the big waves. When skiing, he gently guided his children down the bunny slopes after years of black diamonds. And while mountain biking, to keep his wife from having heart attacks, he was a little less reckless than before.

Conrad was generous with his time. Countless hours were invested in leading scout troops, coaching, t-ball and softball, delivering furniture to the needy, serving as a contractor for diocesan activities, teaching religious education, and offering guidance to Coast Guard and Eagle Scout aspirants. He consistently put the needs of others before his own. It’s fitting that his last day on this earth was All Souls instead of All Saints Day; he would have felt it presumptuous to take his leave on a day that might posit his stature in heaven.

And Conrad was both thrifty and generous with the Coast Guard, serving 30 years on active, reserve and civilian duty; parsimonious in the millions he saved while managing government dollars, unstinting in the wide variety of projects he managed. He began his active career as a marine engineering instructor at the USCGA, and served as the safety engineer on the USCG Cutter Midgett out of Seattle, WA, where he sailed extensively throughout the Northern Pacific, participating in numerous sea rescues. Later active duty responsibilities included directing military equipment load outs as the planning/ops chief in Wilmington, NC; and serving as the lead project officer for CG sectors nationwide out of CGHQ.

While in the reserves he conducted foreign vessel inspections in Baltimore; stood watch as the CG liaison to TRANSCOM at Scott Air Force Base, IL; and advised on emergency response at Sector Northern NE in Portland, ME and at CGHQ. As a civilian, he managed ops/infrastructure for Sectors, Command Centers, Vessel Traffic Services, Marine Safety Units, and more in the Office of Search & Rescue/Shore Forces, where he was a trusted employee and much loved coworker. He even lent his beautiful singing voice to the USCGHQ choir, taking the lead on rousing renditions of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Conrad’s life reminds us that our most important accomplishments are not measured in dollars, diplomas or decorations. While he collected those, too, he knew that love and faith trump them all.

We will remember Conrad when we see the Red Sox play, think well of others, spot a ‘75 Corvette Stingray, devour a fresh lobster roll, take a long walk on the beach, eat a Boston Cream Pie, cuddle a kitten, feel the wind on our faces while sailing, break open a cold cider, catch a frisbee, make a Seinfeld reference, listen to Jimmy Buffet or Billy Joel, tell a terrible “Dad Joke,” and gaze at the sunset as we marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.

And we will celebrate the lasting reminder of Conrad’s heart and spirit in his five children, who are each a true reflection of him – kind, thoughtful, faith-filled, respectful, funny. And yes, simultaneously generous and thrifty. He taught them well. They are his most meaningful legacy.

Initially there was hope that Conrad might be granted a second miracle; at the age of 23 he broke his neck in a serious car accident and was told he might never walk again. The prayers of many brought healing then. But it was not to be with his illness this time, and God has called him home. We will miss him desperately, but have no doubt that he is watching over us from heaven.

Conrad was predeceased by his father, Leon. In addition to his wife and five children, he is survived by his mother: Diane Beauregard (Tony); three brothers: Eugene (Karen), Philip (Dawn) and Russell; nine nephews and nieces: Elyse, Brendan, Brittany, Justin, Evan, Isabella, Alex, Joe and Leon; sister-in-law, Annette (Ron); and many beloved cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Society or the American Brain Tumor Association. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 18 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.