Robert E. "Bob" Couture

Natick, Massachusetts - Robert E. “Bob” Couture died peacefully with his wife and two sons by his side on Wednesday, April 17th at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland, MA at the age of 86.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janice (Solari) Couture of Natick, MA, son Craig Couture and his wife Lucy (Wardell) and their three sons August, William, and Charlie of Natick, MA, son Steven Couture of Oakland, CA, brother Richard Couture and wife Kay (Hunt) of Sutton, MA, sister-in-law Judith (Simm) Solari of Marlborough, MA, nieces and nephews Donna Solari, Christine (Couture) Valls, and Rick Couture, and many close family members and friends. He is preceded in death by brother Roland Couture of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and brother-in-law Charles Solari of Marlborough, MA.

Bob was born on July 21, 1937 in Arlington, MA to Auguste “Gus” Couture and Ceasarie “Sue” (Gauvin) Couture. He attended Somerville public schools before graduating in 1959 from Salem State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and then in 1964 with a Master’s degree. He went on to postgraduate studies at Boston University, and earned his Ed.D. from Boston College in 1979. He met his wife Jan at the Innitou Ski Runners Ski & Social Club in North Conway, NH and married in 1968. They eventually settled down in Reading, MA with their two boys, and, after becoming Superintendent for Dover-Sherborn Public Schools, the family relocated to Natick, MA.

Bob had a passion for teaching and education, working in the field for almost 50 years. He was first a teacher and guidance counselor, and eventually became Elementary Principal first in Woodstock, VT, then North Reading and Bedford, MA. After his Assistant Superintendency of four years and Superintendent role of fifteen for Dover-Sherborn, he un-officially retired. He went on to serve as interim Superintendent for seven different school systems in the area, eventually returning to Dover-Sherborn for his final interim role before officially retiring.

Bob was passionate about playing golf, following Boston sports, enjoying his wife’s cooking, and being “Gramps” to his three grandkids. He enjoyed going to the movies, being in nature whether it was taking the family camping, skiing, or observing the birds outside his windows, and occasionally “visiting his money” at the local casino to play the “penny slots”. In his free time he would often take the family on weekend adventures into Boston, and road trips to northern New England. He also liked to plan trips and travel, visiting many foreign countries and cruising the Caribbean often with his wife Jan.

Visiting hours will be at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home in Natick on Saturday April 27th from 2-4 pm, with a prayer service to follow. Please consider making a small donation to help support the many individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia at https://act.alz.org/

For directions and online guestbook: everettfuneral.com

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