Gerard "Gerry" Coutu

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Bacon Academy University of Connecticut

Gerard Coutu Obituary

Irvine, Calif. - Gerard "Gerry" Coutu, 53, of Irvine, Calif., and formerly of Colchester, passed away on April 18, 2010, in California.

Born July 29, 1956, in Springfield, Mass., he was the son of the late Roland and Genevieve (Rayman) Coutu. Gerry graduated from Bacon Academy, class of 1974 and earned degrees from the University of Connecticut, a bachelor's degree in mathematics and English in 1982, a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1986, and a Ph.D. in engineering in 1992. An engineering consultant, Gerry was a lecturer at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, the Hartford Graduate Center, and in the California university system. He was a talented writer and a patron of the arts.

A Mass of Chirstian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, at St. Andrew Church, Norwich Ave., Colchester. Burial will follow in New St. Andrew's Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

The Belmont/Sabrowski Funeral Home of Colchester is in care of arrangments.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Coutu

10 Entries

Bob Hamburger

May 22, 2010

I first got to know Gerry as his student; he was my graduate advisor and instructor for several mathematics courses at RPI in the late 1980s. We became friends and professional colleagues and informally collaborated on many small projects through the years. His piercing insights into complex and arcane subjects were beyond merely impressive... he could see and understand great truths of nature and reality that evaded the rest of us. Despite his talents and accomplishments, he was always grounded in reality and had a humble demeanor. His sense of humor was refreshing and legendary among those who got to know him. Gerry and I had maintained an informal correspondence over the last several years, and it was only through a random Google search, to see what he was up to lately, that I learned of his passing. I shall miss Gerry deeply, as he was one of only a few rare individuals whom I have regarded as a mentor. He was too young to have left us; my sympathies go out to Jan and the rest of his family.

Barry Setterstrom

May 7, 2010

One of my best friends, still after all these years. Either running a 5 miler in a snow storm or through the woods at Salmon River, an usher at my wedding and sorce of great encouragement as I decided to go back to school for engineering.
Jan, I can't believe he has left us at such a young age. He and I just reconnected last summer when he reached out to me after my dad passed away, that was the kind of person he was. I didn't know you'd moved to Cal. but it was just like old times, we talked for an hour. Gerry was special, one of the most humble people I know and all that were lucky enough to know him will miss him.

Debbie Austin (Riley)

April 30, 2010

I graduated from Bacon Class of '74 with Gerry. We also lived in the same neighborhood growing up. He was such a great person. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.

Janet Parlato

April 29, 2010

As a little girl, I was always so impressed by you, big brother, smashing a home run far over the field, or leaning into the finish line of an important race; I'd brag about you to anyone who would listen! I would marvel as you read from a Calculus textbook over a bowl of cereal in the morning, and was so proud of the many accomplishments of character, integrity and creative talents, many of which you never told people about. There is no way I could have known my smart, funny, accomplished brother would become such a force for love and good in my life. Your hilarious take on all matters great and small, will guide and comfort, and I know you're smiling down...

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Love and Gratitude,

Janet, Steve, Ben and Jillian

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Jean Walsh (Judd)

April 29, 2010

Gerry was in my class at Bacon, and I will always remember him for his humor, and flying pony tail while running in track meets! I knew he would go far. It is such a shame for the world to lose someone so young, talented, smart. My heart goes out to his family.

Ginny Dunigan

April 27, 2010

Jerry,
I can't believe your gone,you were so kind to our family. I thought of you as a brother,not just as a Brother-In-Law. I will remember all the times you would run out and get us Chinese food and when you got back it would be such chaos, trying to figure out who ordered what,those were fun times. You where so good with Jimmy when he was growing up, treated him as a son,I know he will greatly miss you. Just want you to know our family will take well care of Janis and Paul. I know your up in Haven now with your parents and my dad.
Love, Ginny

Mark Goodwin

April 26, 2010

I went to Bacon Academy with Gerry I can't believe he has left us. He was a very smart man and always kind to everyone. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Susan Preston-Berlin

April 25, 2010

I knew Gerry during our days at Avery Point UCONN. I can see him standing before me, brilliant smile and deep hazel eyes - always kind, ready for adventure...He became my Math tutor at a critical point in my studies, and he made what I thought impossible to understand suddenly, beautifully clear. What a great fellow.

Deb Richards

April 24, 2010

To Janis and Paul, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Gerry and I stayed in touch for over 30 years, I will truly miss him.

April 24, 2010

To Janis and Paul, our old Irvine neighbors. It was with great saddness to read of Gerry's passing, he was such a brilliant and compassionate man. Gods's Blessing to you and the whole Coutu family.

Ken, Jill, Jay and Sarah Norris

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