Donald E. Couture

Donald E. Couture: A Life Soaring High, Rooted in Love

Donald E. Couture, a beloved father, grandfather "Pepere", great grandfather and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at his longtime home on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family. He is reunited with his loving wife of 67 years, Jacqueline (Dupuis), who preceded him in death.

Born on November 26, 1934, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Donald was the son of French-Canadian parents Bertha (Fillion) and Romeo Couture. Later in his teens, his father's second wife, Lucille Parent, played a lifelong loving role in Don's life and welcomed his family as her own.

A career entrepreneur, Don launched several thriving businesses in weight loss, photography, and photo lab processing. He was also a pioneer in the business of aerial photography, seamlessly blending his passion for flying with a remarkable talent for capturing the world from above. His impressive portfolio includes monthly photo documentation of southern New England's most significant construction and development projects, such as Foxwoods Casino, the Basketball Hall of Fame, MGM Grand Casino, Six Flags, UConn's Rentschler Field, and the Hartford Convention Center & Riverfront. He also captured countless other prominent building and transportation initiatives, including both highway and rail. Most likely, if you own a home on any lake in southern New England or on a waterfront in South Florida, chances are you have one of Don's photographs displayed on your wall.

More than his professional achievements, Don's greatest joy was his family. Known affectionately as "Dad," "Dear," and "Pepere", he built a home that was a vibrant hub of activity and unconditional love. His home was a welcoming place where family and friends gathered for swims, backyard games, delicious barbecues, and the simple pleasure of each other's company. He especially treasured holidays and family celebrations, which brought together his ever-expanding circle of family, grandchildren and friends. Don's encouraging advice and guidance will forever echo in the hearts of those he loved. During his later years, he reminded us all of the precious and fragile nature of life, a lesson that will remain with us always.

Donald's legacy lives on through his six children and their spouses: Donna & David Pitney, Joanne & Peter Goode, Roy & Andrea (Meyers) Couture, Theresa & Michael Quagliaroli, Tammy & Sal Spadaro, and Donald J. Couture. He adored his eleven grandchildren and their spouses: Christy Quagliaroli, Michael Quagliaroli (predeceased), David Pitney, Bryan Pitney, Allyson Mulkern (Pitney), Sal Spadaro, Samantha Spadaro, Peter Goode, Kelsey Griffin (Goode), Meaghan DeCaprio (Goode), Landon Couture, and Madison Couture. He also cherished his ten great-grandchildren: Hailey, Taylor, Evan, Zachary, Liam, Finn, Theo, Carter, Crew, and a baby boy on the way. Don also leaves his siblings Leo Couture and Deborah Couture. He was predeceased by his sister Blanche. Don also leaves many nephews and nieces who were an important and colorful part of his life and with whom he shared many fond memories and holidays.

Don's legacy of family, friends, love, encouragement, and zest for life will continue to inspire those who knew him. His memory will forever reside in our hearts, a constant reminder of a life well-lived and a spirit that soared. We'll miss you.

With deepest gratitude, Don's family thanks the hospice staff of ECHN Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, particularly Carol, for their exceptional support. We are especially grateful to Tasha, whose unwavering care and loyal companionship brightened Don's life for the last few years.

A memorial funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 45 Church St., Windsor Locks, CT. The burial service will be private.