Bernard A. Couture ’61, M’64
Bernard A. Couture, Essex Junction, VT, died August 14, 2023. Bernie grew up in Burlington with his six brothers and two sisters, attended Nazareth School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. He majored in elementary education at Saint Michael’s as an undergraduate and went on to earn his St. Mike’s education master’s in 1964 and a second master’s in education counseling from the University of Vermont in 1980.
Bernie began his long career in education at Shelburne High School, spent three years at West Haven High School in New Haven, CT, before returning to Vermont and joining the Winooski High School staff. He served the Winooski community for over 30 years in various roles (principal, teacher, athletic director and coach). His positive influence on the youth he served and colleagues he worked with over the years was frequently mentioned to his children and other family members, and he maintained these important relationships throughout his lifetime.
He raised his family in Essex Junction and was actively engaged in the lives of his children and his community, including interest in local and state politics. He regularly participated in Serve Our Neighbor Day, volunteered for many senior luncheons, served as Justice of the Peace, and contributed in countless other ways to his community. He was a committed member of St. Lawrence Catholic Parish and the worshipping community at Saint Michael’s.
He served as a basketball official for middle school, high school, and CYO. Even after retiring in 1998, he continued to assist the Essex High School varsity softball team for another 20 years. For his many years of service and commitment to education and athletics, Bernie was inducted into the Vermont Principal’s Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Bernie was an avid UVM soccer and basketball fan, and he also played basketball throughout his life, taking his final shot with the “Golden Rimmers” on the Friday prior to his death. He was exceptionally social and seen out and about in the community often.
At his Essex Junction home of 53 years, he enjoyed working in his large vegetable garden, working on puzzles, reading and helping neighbors. Bernie was pre-deceased by his wife of over 52 years, Jean, in 2016, by two brothers including Richard “Dick” Couture ’61, and an uncle Fr. Joseph Couture, S.S.E. ‘30. He is survived by three sons, including former Saint Michael’s staff member in financial aid, Dan Couture M’97, two daughters including Jean Couture ’91 M’09, four brothers including James “Jim” Couture ’65 P’96, two sisters and extended family, including niece Kimberly “Kim” Audette ’96.
To read the full obituary, click here: https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries/bfp042452