Theoret, Michael Bernard – (1951-2026)
ST. ALBANS – It is with profound sadness that the passing of Michael Bernard Theoret is announced. He passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 23, at the UVM Medical Center after a brief but brave battle with cancer.
Michael was born on Jan. 18, 1951, in St. Albans, the youngest of 13 children to Elaine (Meme) and Alphonse (Pepe) Theoret. He grew up on family farms in Essex, Fairfax, and Alburgh. Michael’s adventurous spirit led to a number of careers on the railroad in St. Albans, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut, IBM in Essex, and Homeland Security in Williston.
Michael married his wife, Judy (O’Sullivan), on Oct. 4, 1975, and their love lasted for 50+ years. Michael was the proud father of three boys, Sean, Brian, and Kyle and a grandfather (aka Boppa) of three grandchildren Nora, Isla, and Archer.
Michael enjoyed watching his sons play and practice baseball in the backyard (dubbed “Scrod Memorial Stadium”), basketball in the driveway, and listening to them practice the saxophone, piano, and guitar. He took them to play in countless basketball tournaments, baseball games, and school concerts and was their biggest, proudest fan. He continued that with his grandchildren by attending soccer, baseball, and hockey games as well as school music concerts. Michael often traveled to Connecticut to watch his son, Brian, play the guitar and sing at various venues.
Michael always enjoyed watching and going to Boston Celtics, Vermont Lake Monster, Montreal Expos, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees games with family and friends.
Michael loved animals, whether it was the animals on his family’s farms, or the countless cats and dogs that grew up in his home (and the strays that visited).
He enjoyed playing golf and the guitar and meeting up for lunch with former workmates who became good lifelong friends. He went on several long motorcycle adventures throughout the US and enjoyed capturing beautiful moments with his camera, dubbed “Michael’s Nature Pictures.” Later on in life he re-ignited his love of guitar and took several years of lessons. He also enjoyed playing billiards in leagues at the Backstreet Pub in St. Albans, making new friends anywhere he went.
Michael loved grilling his “Boppa burgers” for family and friends and was ready to plan any meal, vacation, or excursion at the drop of a hat… often before anyone was ready or fully committed to the plan.
Michael is survived by his wife, Judy; three sons, Sean (Jen), Brian (Samantha) and Kyle (Alyssa); a niece, Julie (Lawrence); a nephew, Scott (Jenn), and their son, Daniel, and their mother, Kay Root; his siblings, Louise, Alma, Lorraine, Aline, Maurice, and Raymond; and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Elaine; his sisters, Maggie and Florence; his brothers, Gerald and Lawrence; and his brother-in-law, Butch Root.
Michael’s family would like to thank his doctors, nurses, and care team at the University of Vermont Medical Center for their sensitive and attentive care.
Visiting hours will be held at Heald Funeral Home on Friday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home with a graveside burial ceremony afterwards at Holy Cross Cemetery on Fairfax Street in St. Albans. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the American Legion on Parah Drive in St. Albans at 3 p.m. Michael is sorry he can’t be there to cook for everyone.
If you would like to make a donation to Michael’s favorite charities, please do so through the Franklin County Animal Rescue (https://www.franklincountyanimalrescue.org/) and Martha’s Kitchen (https://www.marthascommunitykitchen802.org/)