Joseph Thiriot, Las Vegas educator for 28 years, dies at 102

Thiriot Elementary School teachers believe the arts are useful in teaching core subjects like math and science, such as having dances to demonstrate the principles of density.

By coincidence, the school's namesake, Joseph E. Thiriot, who died Sunday at age 102, was involved in the performing arts, teaching drama, public speaking and chorus at Las Vegas High School for 28 years.

Thiriot also directed community plays and was a founding member of the Las Vegas Little Theatre. As a musician and artist, he played the banjo and piano and made jewelry from his gem collection.

"He was a great role model for us," said Patricia Schmidt, principal of the school, 5700 W. Harmon Ave., near Jones Boulevard and Flamingo Road.

The school opened in 2005. Thiriot frequently attended its music programs and plays.

"He was a big believer in children," Schmidt said. "It wasn't riches that he was after. It was giving of himself."

Alice Waite said her father's philosophy of teaching was to make it fun so his students would "learn without realizing they were learning."

She said her dad "loved life" and always kept busy. "He didn't stop driving until he was 100," Waite said.

Thiriot is survived by his three children, Alice Waite, Jeannetta Peterson, and Jon Thiriot; 14 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Services are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 221 S. Lorenzi St.

Palm Mortuary, 1325 Main St., is handling arrangements. The family is asking that donations be made to the school.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.