Peter “Chief Pete” Coutroubis USN GMGC Ret., 83 passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 7, 2016. A life-long resident of Fall River, he was the son of the late Charles and Bessie (Anagnastopoulos) Coutroubis. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Madeline (Correia) Coutroubis.
Chief Pete graduated from BMC Durfee High School in 1955. He received his Associates Degree from New England Tech. In 1953 Peter enlisted in the US Navy and spent 38 distinguished years serving his country. During his career, he served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, and Grenada on billets on the USS Missouri BB-63 and the USS Robert A Owens DD 827. He received many awards: Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp), National Defense Service Medal, 4 Good Conduct Awards, 3 Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Armed Forces Medals, 5 Gold Wreath Awards, and the Navy Achievement Award. The last 16 years of his service was dedicated to recruiting stationed at Fort Rodman in New Bedford, MA. During that time, he enlisted many young men and women to careers in the Navy which resulted in many long lasting friendships. In February of 1989, when Chief Pete retired he was piped off the USS Battleship Massachusetts in a special ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow servicemen.
As a gunners mate in the navy, Chief Pete used his expertise with guns as an avid hunter and target shooter. In retirement his hobbies included model trains, reading, and military history. He was a lifetime member of the Fall River Rod and Gun Club, the NRA, USS Missouri Alumni BB-63, the American Legion, Naval Enlisted Reserve Assoc. and Federal Reserve Assoc. He was also a bus driver for Tremblays Bus Co for many years driving the Diman bus route.
Besides his wife, Madeline, he is survived by his 4 children: Pauline D. Botelho of Fall River, Paula D. Kaylor (husband Bill) of Westport, Peter D and Paul D (wife Tina) of Fall River; his grandchildren: Peter J Coulombe (wife Shannon) of Westport, Kristen Schersten (husband Damon) of Boston, Bryana L Donnelly, Andrea L. Donnelly, Alexis Coutroubis, David Coutroubis, and Dean Coutroubis of Fall River; and great-grandchildren Lily and Aiden Coulombe and many nieces, and nephews. He was the brother of the late George Coutroubis.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Monday here at 9 A.M. followed by a Mass at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 10 A.M. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Calling hours on Sunday from 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780 www.rogersfuneral.com.