Hubert Edward "Skip" Couture

COUTURE, Hubert Edward "Skip" Hubert Edward "Skip" Couture, 69, of Southington, passed away peacefully on Monday, (April 28, 2008) at Bristol Hospital. He was the loving husband of Ellen Marie (Strohecker) Couture, with whom he would have shared 45 years of marriage on May 11th. Skip was born in Whitefield, NH on February 4, 1939, one of nine children to the late Hubert B. and Jeanette I. (Lariviere) Couture, and was a 1957 graduate of Chicopee High School. A resident of Southington for over 30 years, Skip kept his New Hampshire roots close at heart, and made many visits back to his small town. He served his country in the U.S. Army as an M.P. stationed in Germany. He was employed at General Electric for 27 years, working part time at Gnazzo's upon his retirement. A talented athlete, Skip played Minor League Baseball and was an avid bowler. A golf enthusiast from young age, he worked as a caddy for the rich and famous, including President Eisenhower and Joan Crawford, and others who frequented the courses surrounding Mt. Washington during the 40's and 50's. His love for golf continued throughout his lifetime, and he was proud to score two holes in one at Westwoods. Skip's infectious personality and dry sense of humor created a wide circle of friends throughout the Northeast. He was a true gentleman, who was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor, and will be missed greatly by his family, many friends, and his faithful companion, Peaches. Along with his wife, Ellen, he leaves his children, Terri Lachapelle and her husband, Roy of Plainville, Ellen Marie Keezer and her husband, Mark of Meriden, Anne Marie Couture of Plantsville, and Leo Edward Couture of Washington, DC; eight grandchildren, Amber Rose and Kimberly Lachapelle, Megan, William, and Melissa DeMerchant, and Kristen, Shauna, and Kyle Couture; and his great-grandson, Lucian Beardsley. He also leaves his brothers and sisters Clemence Sigmon, Ruth Waid, Edna Fitzgibbon, and Ralph Couture; as well as and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Lucille Boudle, Jeannette Maxwell, and Claire Couture, and his brother, Richard Couture. Relatives and friends may gather on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St, Plainville. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Plainville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to HOPE Guardian Fund, 10 North Main St, Bristol, CT 06010. For directions and online condolences, please visit www. bailey-funeralhome.com.