Alden "Gene" Couture, age 59, of 10 Albatross Drive, Ledyard, died suddenly Wednesday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London after being striken ill at work.
Gene was born in Norwich on May 4, 1943 the son of Mary Jane (Quinley) Couture of Preston and the late Ernest Couture. He was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy and later served in the US Army.
In earlier years, he was employed as a planner at Electric Boat in Groton and was later employed as an Industrial Planning Enginner at Pratt & Whitney before his retirement in 1997. Since his retirement, he was working as a tutor at Project LEARN in Niantic.
An avid golfer, Gene was a member of the Groton Teacher's Golf League. He was also a devoted UCOON Husky Fan, and was a member of the Waterford Duck Pin Bowling League. In his sparetime, Gene enjoyed working in his yard.
He was married to Jane (Donegan) Couture on May 7, 1966. Mrs. Couture died September 26, 1996.
In addition to his mother, Gene leaves his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Couture and Steve Anthony of Ledyard, a sister, Candy Goss of Preston; his companion, Linda Pendleton with whom he made his home, his sister-in-law and her husband, Kathy and "Butch"of Montville, a brother-in-law, George Donegan of Norwich, and his mother-in-law, Mary Donegan of Norwich, 2 nieces, a nephew, aunts, and uncles.
A largely attended Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Rte. 12, Gales Ferry on Friday morning. Fr. Joseph DeCosta, pastor celebrated Gene's Mass. Reflections were offered by his two "brother-in-laws" who recalled Gene's love and devotion to his family and friends, most importantly his deceased wife Jane, their daughter Kathy, and his companion Linda and her sons.
As a symbol of his enthusiasm, Gene's UCONN Huskies baseball cap was placed atop Gene's pall-draped casket. Among delegations present were Project LEARN of Niantic and Hair Unique Hair Salon in Mystic.
Burial followed beside his wife Jane at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard, where Fr. DeCosta offered committal prayers. Those in attendance then gathered at Gene and Linda's home for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
Donations in Gene's memory may be made to the Jane Couture Endowment Fund, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry.
The family thanks all those who overwhelmed them with support in recent days and for the many gestures of flowers and donations to Jane Couture's Endowment Fund at the church. It is all greatly appreciated.