Alfred L. Couture, 86, of Worcester died peacefully on Wednesday, May 16th with his family by his side wearing his World’s Greatest Grandfather shirt in Marlboro Hills Health Care Center. He leaves his wife of 65 years, Marie A. (Cote) Couture, who he called Allie; five sons, Richard Couture of Baltimore, MD, Joseph Couture of Spencer, Edward Couture of Delran, NJ, Lt. Col. Anthony Couture of Sterling and Michael Couture of Worcester; three daughters, Linda Sullivan of Mattapoisett, Elizabeth Couture of Worcester and Janet Couture of Southborough; two brothers, Paul Couture and Ferdinand Couture both of Gardner; 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Shirley Ann Couture who died in 1947 and a son, John Couture who died in 1988.
Alfred was born in Gardner the son of Edmund and Genevieve (Labossiere) Couture. Alfred was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II and Korea. He served on the USS LCI (L) 468 in the Asian-Pacific Theater as a signalman and on the USS Lloyd as a quartermaster. Mr. Couture was an active member at Immaculate Conception Church, where he was a member for 43 years. He was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and a Sunday School Teacher at the church. He was involved in Cursillo and was on the Worcester Ecumenical Council. Mr. Couture was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
Upon retirement Alfred was a volunteer for 20 years at St. Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Medical Center. He worked at the patient desk, drove patients to doctors appointments and often took the patients on outings. Mr. Couture loved to volunteer and worked as hard at volunteering as he did prior to retiring. He enjoyed volunteering so much that he scheduled his time off around his volunteer time. Alfred testified in front of the U.S. Congress about health reform. He loved spending time with his family. Alfred always had a big smile and a tootsie pop for the grandkids. He enjoyed “discussing” any and all topics with his children. He was an avid reader, a recreational swimmer and a good debater.
Alfred’s funeral is Monday, May 21st from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, May 20th from 3:00 until 5:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.