Robert Theriault

Robert “Bobby” Thomas Theriault of Sylmar, California passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022, at the age of 58. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Leo and Shirley Theriault, and his cherished sister, Gloria (Theriault) Hahn.
Bobby was born with Down Syndrome, which meant he was the most loving, the most fun, and the most honest person we all had the privilege of loving. His parents used to tell people that God must have loved them very much to bless them with such a special child.
Bobby led the most active and fun-filled life! While growing up he attended school, played pool with his nieces, practiced running fast, participated in the Special Olympics, watched wrestling matches, enjoyed a beer during Monday night football, and traveled with his parents to places like Oregon, Maine, and his most favorite place, Las Vegas, where he dominated the nickel and penny slot machines!
At age 18, Bobby moved into a Valley Village group home - a family-style home where he made life-long friendships and kept busy with traveling and a multitude of activities. He still came home to his family on many weekends and holidays but was always eager to go back to his friends at his Valley Village home.
During weekdays, Bobby had a job at the non-profit organization, New Horizons, where he was proud of the paycheck he earned as an Assembler. Through New Horizons, Bobby joined the Brite Lites Theater Company where he was excited to share his love of singing and dancing with the public.
Bobby was known for his great sense of humor, he loved to joke around and make people laugh and smile with his antics. He loved music and dancing, and no matter how much his body started failing him during the last few years, he couldn’t help but smile and tap along to any Michael Jackson tune.
Bobby is survived by his big brother, Richard Leo Theriault; four nieces, Darlene Theriault, Michelle Theriault, Renee (Hahn) Nagel, and Kristi (Hahn) Austria; and by his much-loved brother-in-law, Mike Hahn. Bobby is also survived by his loving and devoted Valley Village family; current house parents Sonia and Alex; former house parent Jim; as well as his housemates and lifelong friends, Charlie, Donald, Daniel, Keith, and Benny.
Please join us for a funeral prayer service at 10:30 am on February 7, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 18405 Superior St, Northridge, CA. Reception immediately followed at Stroup Hall on the church campus. Graveside service will take place at future date TBD at San Fernando Mission cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to two amazing organizations that were instrumental to the full and adventurous life that Bobby lived:
Valley Village, www.valleyvillage.org/giving
New Horizons, newhorizons-sfv.org/support/donate
“Down syndrome: It doesn’t mean I’m down. It means I help people who are feeling down. My smiles are contagious. My laugh is medicine for the heart. My hugs are heavenly. My heart itself is pure gold.”