Robert J. Couture

Biddeford

Bobby to his childhood friends

"Pa" to his Grandchildren

Robert J. Couture, 82, of Biddeford, Maine passed away on Saturday December 23, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born in Biddeford on September 6, 1941, to Eleonore (Butler) and Bernard J. Couture, On April 22, 1967, he married Mary Dorothy Reilly. They had one daughter Leslie a year later.

Bob was educated in Saco Schools graduating from Thornton Academy class of 1959, and received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Maine in Orono. After joining the Army reserves, he had a lengthy successful career with the Maine Department of Human Services as an Adult Protective caseworker. He was lauded for his dedication and compassion by his coworkers as well as judges he stood before while advocating for his cases. This earned him a State of Maine DHHS Employee of the year recognition.

Bob was active as a young man participating in cub scouts and baseball. He often spoke of his experience as a member of the Maine little league team of 1954 that earned a trip to the Regional tournament after they won the Maine State title. In addition, he saw both sides of the line of scrimmage on the gridiron during his years at Thornton Academy and remained lifelong friends with his teammates, near and far, right up to his passing.

Bob was an avid reader of classic books and a fan of all rock and roll. Elvis, the Beatles and the Doors topped his music list. Because of his wealth of knowledge on these subjects and so much more, he was the player to team up with for any trivia challenge.

His life gained great meaning when he started his family with Mary and welcomed Leslie. He worked hard to support them and even hopped on the running craze train of the late 1970s to be healthier for them and could be found at the start line of hundreds of races over the years. At first, he competed alone, then with his daughter Leslie and later with his grandchildren at fun runs and 5ks.

His 55 years spent with Mary included supporting their daughter and their grandchildren's school activities, sporting events and academic achievements. These ranged from youth T Ball and dance recitals, through high school events and onto college accolades. More importantly, "Pa '' was best known for the nurturing he gave each of his grandchildren. He gifted them everyday with the wealth of his time, attention, patience, energy and knowledge. Through the years he was most often seen cuddling a sleeping infant for hours; reading every book in the pile one more time to the toddlers; judging 'tween splashing contests in the pool; and in attendance at the fields, ice rinks, and courts all over Southern Maine.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Mary (Reilly) Couture.

Bob is survived by his daughter Leslie Mourmouras and grandchildren Mallory, Max and Megan and one brother Al Couture.

Visiting Hours are 9-11AM with a Funeral Service at 11AM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel in Saco. A Graveside Service will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations of any kind to your local school or public library.