Obituary of Robert R. Couture

"Palmer- Robert R. Couture a life long resident, 79, of Temple St., died on December 17, 2008 at home. He was born March 13, 1929 in Palmer, MA, son of Rene A. Couture and Helen (Dwyer) Couture. He served his country in the US Coast Guard for 30 years and was a veteran of the Korean War. Robert retired in 1991 from the Palmer Police Department where he worked for 28 years as a police officer. Robert was Palmer's first Drug Awareness Officer before the start of the D.A.R.E. Program. He was also one of only 2 officers to establish the investigative photography lab at the Palmer's Police Station. Bob will always be known in town as the one cop to give you a second chance. He was a member of St. Thomas Church. Amvets, the American Legion and "the morning coffee clan" at the Palmer Diner. Bob and Winnie started their retirement in 1991 by splitting their residency between Palmer & St. Petersburg, FL. During his 17 years of retirement he passed his time by playing many rounds of golf with his good friends, taking Winnie shopping, traveling the U.S. and attending the many sporting & musical events that his grandchildren were involved in. In his travels with Winnie he also attended the commemoration of the ship he served on in the Coast Guard; The USS East Wind, in as well as attending many Coast Guard reunions. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Winifred (Jordan) Couture, five daughters, Lynda A. Garrity and husband Kevin of Plymouth, MA, Diane Wisnoski and husband Michael of Ware, MA, Robin Schattgen and husband Robert of Palmer, MA, Susan Marini and husband Joseph of Palmer, MA, and Patricia Houde and husband Donald of Richmond, ME. He will also be missed by 12 grandchildren Maureen Couture Peters, Lisa and Leanne Gentile, Danielle and Michael Kumpulanian, Stefan, Erica and Trevor Schattgen, Adam and Kelsey Marini, Daniel and Matthew Orzechowski. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Baystate Visiting Nurse and Hospice for their care and kindness. A Funeral service will be held on Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, followed by a Mass in St. Thomas Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 11:00a.m.-2:00 pm at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. "