Ronald J. Couture

Ronald J. Couture died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, after a long illness.  He was surrounded by family and close friends. He was born April 17th, 1947, in Rochester NH to Raoul and Llyr (Bates) Couture. He grew up in Somersworth, attended Somersworth High School, and graduated from UNH earning a master's degree majoring in history, education and minoring in political science. Ron had a passion for Civil War & WWII History along with military aircraft. His favorite quote was "Never let the facts get in the way of a good story".  This passion for history led him back to Somersworth High School as a history teacher for thirty- three years before retiring due to illness. In addition to Somersworth High School, he taught night school at Franklin Pierce College and finished his career teaching at Saint Elizabeth Seton School in Rochester. Ron's life was centered around his faith, family and friends. He was a 23-year liver transplant survivor and never took for granted this unselfish gift of life. Ron served in several church ministries and especially loved being part of the music group. He joined the Secular Franciscans and professed to the secular way of life on December 31st, 2017, believing in St. Francis's mission "Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel". Wherever he went, he carried a deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother.   He enjoyed fly fishing, nature, traveling, building model airplanes, attending his grandchildren's sporting events and following politics. Ron took pride in his family and never missed an opportunity to talk about them.   Members of his family include his wife of 17 years, Anita (Hickey) Couture of Rochester, his daughters Jessica Couture of Fortuna CA, Gina Tanguay Langdon and her husband Douglas of Barrington, his son Kevin Tanguay and his wife Susan (Weiss) of Rochester. His brother Brian Couture and his wife Michelle with their son Joshua of Middleton. Ron leaves behind seven grandchildren Andrew, Sam, Kyle, Catie, Ashley, Matthew and Maren. Two nieces Laurie and Caroline. His aunt Lorraine Couture and several cousins.  He also leaves behind his childhood friend Paul Gagnon of CA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary Church. Visitation will be held at St. Mary Church on 71 Lowell St. Rochester on Saturday October 7th from 9:30 to 10:50am with the Celebration of the Funeral Mass at 11:00am.  The burial will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Somersworth NH.