Richard James Couture

Richard James Couture January 16, 1935 - July 10, 2017 Our Dad, Richard James Couture, age 82, of St. Augustine, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 10, 2017. He was born and raised in Maine to Adelbert and Lena Couture, and was a 1952 graduate of Waterville High School. Upon his graduation he proudly served his country for 3 years in the United States Marines. Education was extremely important to him and he earned several degrees including two Masters, all while supporting his wife and 3 children at home. He was a principal at Churchville-Chili High School near Rochester, New York. In 1992 he retired and moved to St. Augustine with his wife, earning his real estate license and beginning a second career as a partner at Century 21 Real Estate at the beach. Our Dad had many loves, all of them deep. Among them were reading – he was always continuing to learn new things; his wife, for whom he truly cared, in sickness and in health; and his children and their families who meant the world to him. His social life was a positive and invigorating force in his life and that of those he loved; whether his friendships lasted decades or months, they were many and profound. He gave much of his time and himself to the people in his life, the spiritual foundation that drove him, and was passionate about his church, St. Anastasia, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to which he gave generously. He is survived by his son, Douglas J. Couture (Dennis) of New York City; daughter, Katherine J. Phillips (Donald) of Spencerport, New York; granddaughters, Emily (Drew) Hopkins, Sarah Phillips (Dan), Melanie Phillips, and great grandsons, Jace and Kaide Hopkins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie Couture and his son, Gregory James Couture. A memorial mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church with Father Tim Lindenfelser officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the Community Center, St. Anastasia Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his name. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.