Matthew S.-Coutu-Obituary

2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu

Providence, Rhode Island

About

LOCATION
Providence, Rhode Island

Obituary

Send Flowers

At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Matthew Coutu was a commanding presence, confident, darkly handsome and supremely disciplined. When he dislocated his shoulder early in his Army airborne training, he simply taped his wound and jumped. A fitness buff, he placed a self-imposed ban on Taco Bell food, his favorite. "He felt a tremendous responsibility to the men he would lead," said David Freeland, his stepfather. Coutu, 23, was killed June 27 by small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was based at Fort Hood. Coutu, whose mother lives in North Kingstown, R.I., graduated from high school in Illinois, where he was the captain of the football, wrestling and track teams and earned a black belt in karate. He graduated in 2004 from the University of Maine, where he majored in history and received the award for the ROTC's top cadet. "It's easy at times like this to toss around all sorts of superlatives, but Matt was head and shoulders above his peers. He was one of those guys who was larger than life, and he just stuck out," said Capt. Jeffrey Weston. Coutu hoped eventually to work for the Secret Service or the FBI. He is survived by his mother, Donna Coutu-Freeland, and his father, Michael Coutu.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I am thinking of you and your family today, Matt. Whenever Memorial Day passes, you are always the first person that comes to mind. The first friend I knew personally to be lost in the wars of our generation. You remain an inspiration to me and a reminder to live each day to its fullest. Rest well.

Matt, Today marks what would have been your 43rd birthday, 20 years since you were ripped from our lives. Your death is a void never filled, a loss never healed. I cherish the memories of a son much loved. If words can slip the bonds of earth, happy birthday. Love, Dad

To Matt´s Family and Friends, Today I participated in a 5k run to honor those lost in service to our country. I was honored to be given Matt´s name to say at the Circle of Remembrance. I found the articles about him and then this page, and am even more honored after reading through it all. What an amazing man he was. It was extra special to see we both graduated high school in 2000. His name and legacy live on and we honor him and your family this Memorial Day.

Matt,

Today would have been your 42nd birthday. There aren't any words or thoughts that I have not not previously shared but feelings remain unchanged -- an unmeasurable loss, missed beyond description and loved no less than when you were taken from us 18 years ago.

Happy Birthday,

Dad

Matt I just sat in a OBC Graduation and was pleasantly surprised to hear that USAMPS awards the Honor Graduate of each OBC Class the Matthew S. Coutu Award. I met with the 2LT afterwards and expressed to her what a great leader and friend you were to so many people. Thinking about you like I do every 27 Jun and 6 Nov.

Matthew, I write this as if you are still with us but there isn´t another way to express the grief and sorrow to have lost a son who was so loved. Thoughts and reflection alone do not fully measure the depth of ring my sadness and pain. We observe this day the 18th anniversary of that terrible day but remember you for the guy you were, someone who lived life with great purpose, resolve and dedication to what was important to you. Perhaps most notable was your unwavering effort to...

It’s Thanksgiving; thinking of you, missing you, love you

Dad

Matt,

Today would been your 41st birthday. You, however, will be forever 23, the age when you were taken from us.

There aren’t any words I have not previously expressed but I will again say that your untimely death was a crushing loss to all who loved you.

Always loved; never forgotten,

Dad

It is so hard to believe it´s been 17 years since you were taken from us. I often wonder what you would have accomplished in those years, and where you would have been in life. I´m sure you would have gone far in the military or whatever venture you pursued. I still feel such sorrow for your parents and brother and I´m sure you´re looking over them everyday; just leave them a message to let them know if you can. I hope the life you are living in heaven is magnificent and we´ll all join you...