Gerard "Gerry" Coutu

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.