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Tom Cousineau Obituary
By Lona O'Connor
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Tom Cousineau, well-loved coach of many students in Delray Beach and Boca Raton, died at home with his family in Delray Beach on Sunday, after a long struggle with liver cancer. He was 71.
"Coach Cooz" founded the physical education program at Morikami Park Elementary School in suburban Delray Beach when the school opened in 1998. He also launched the school's annual field day of races and other competitions. He coached at Morikami until June, 2003, driving his vintage car to school when the weather was fine.
A tall, barrel-chested man, Mr. Cousineau's fitness belied his years. But this year, his strength drained by his illness, he was far too sick to attend.
Students and teachers missed his upbeat and encouraging presence. "He was a really good coach, he always made sure we were well prepared," said Julia Wesson, 11, a Morikami fifth grader. "There was a game called flag war, he loved that game. That was our favorite game to play with him."
He also worked as an assistant coach at Pompano High School, and later at Boca Raton High School, where his son Matt played football.
Mr. Cousineau was born on April 2, 1932, in Lorain, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Korean War and later became a Marine Corp champion heavyweight wrestler. He attended Indiana University on a football scholarship, playing guard from 1954-1958.
He began his 44-year teaching and coaching career in Terre Haute, Indiana. After 10 years there, the family moved back to Cleveland.
Mr. Cousineau also taught and coached football and wrestling at Lakewood High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Lakewood Rangers went from the bottom of the Lake Erie League to league champions in 1975. That year he was named Greater Cleveland Coach of the Year.
Besides Lori, his wife of 23 years, sons Tom and Matt, Mr. Cousineau is also survived by a daughter, Kim, of Findlay, Ohio, son Christopher, and three granddaughters.
Funeral arrangements are still being made.
On Friday, the family will travel to Bushnell Veteran's Cemetery for a military burial. Donations may be made to the Matt Cousineau Recovery Fund, P.O. Box 308 Delray Beach, FL 33447, to help defray continuing medical costs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Cousineau
Rick M.
April 6, 2024
I left FL in the late 80s, and hadn't been in touch with any of the staff at Spanish River. Just today, I spent the morning googling Coach Cous, just to see where he might be today. Was very sad to see that he passed many years ago. Playing for Coach Cous was a treat. His intensity, combined with his gentle manner made him so unique. I was on the receiving end of his frustration on the football field (great memories), but also of his compassion in the locker room. On many occasions, I saw Coach "picking guys up," and encouraging them to be their best. Never saw a better motivator than Coach Cous. Had him as a Health Teacher as well. I loved being around him. It's way too late to be sending condolences, but I know that coach is still missed today by all of his family, friends, and players. RIP Cous!
John Brenner
May 14, 2021
He was my driver's ed teacher at Spanish River during the '87-'88 school year. I remember him as a "gentle giant," so friendly, very encouraging. I loved his class, and here I am over 30 years later, thinking of him. God bless you Coach Cousineau.
Cynthia Bjaloncik-Hocevar
October 18, 2019
He was my driving teacher when I went to St. Augustine Academy in Lakewood. I always respected the man and am sorry that he passed. My sympathies to the family.
Gail Lannom Sobczak
September 20, 2004
To the Cousineau Family:
I went to Indiana University with Tom in the 50's. He was a teammate of my late husband, Bob Sobczak, and one of his best friends. I send my deepest sympathy to you. Tom was always a kind man with a big smile. Looking at the notes in the guest book, it appears that the people whose lives he touched will always remember him.
Kevin Jones
June 4, 2004
To the Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I played football at Ohio State in 1977 with his Son, and I last saw Tom (the son), when I tried out for The Green Bay Packers in a pre season game.
May your family find peace, in this time of sadness.
The Sales Family
April 17, 2004
We were so saddenned to hear about Coach. Two of our 4 children were lucky enough to have him as their coach. Flag war is a big hit in this house. He will be very hard to replace, P.E. day is not the same! Thank you for everything!
Joyce Clifford
April 7, 2004
Dear Lori, Matt & Chris, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Martha Combs
April 5, 2004
Dear Mrs. Cousineau and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was sad to hear about coach passing away. I hope that you cherish all the wonderful memories you have of him, and that those memories ease your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nick Seta
April 1, 2004
Lori, and the Cousineau Family:
Tommy C was an inspiration to all, and had a gift of teaching and coaching. He was respected by all and respected all no matter who or what they where both young and old. A man not afraid to share any of his life experiences to help others. I was one of the fortunate who had the privilege of being coached and coaching alongside a legend. He taught not just about football but about life and faith. I also had the honor to be considered a friend to both Tom and his Family, and for that I am truly greatful and forever indebted. Coach Cous and Tom will be forever missed and never forgotten!. GOD BLESS!!
Leigh Miric
April 1, 2004
I truly believe that each and every one of us is put on this earth to serve a purpose. Coach Cousineau definitely knew his purpose, and fulfilled that purpose one by one, unconditionally with love, infinite patience and compassion.I have had the pleasure of working with Tom for 4 years at Morikami. His contributions to his family, community, friends and students should set an example for each and every one of us. Tom also reminded me so much of my father who passed away 19 years ago. I will truly miss my dear friend. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
Stephanie Curran
March 30, 2004
Words cannot express how much Tom will truly be missed. He was an amazing person. His memory will forever bring a smile to my face.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
James Maxwell
March 27, 2004
Dear Cousineau Family, I am sad to hear of your loss to the family. I will always remember and love the man who is known to me and my teammates as "Coach Cooz". He has always been with me even though I haven't seen him in over 20 years. His legacy will live on in the many lives he has touched throughout his life. May God Bless you and your family always. Love, Jim (Lkwd, 1976)
Robert Clifford
March 26, 2004
Lori,Christopher and Matt,
He was a tremendous individual who believed in every kid that he could touch with his special wisdom of the world. He will be missed by all in the football world. Bob Clifford Oregon State University Football.
Margaret Perrillo
March 25, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the Cousineau family at this time. He will be remembered and surely missed by all who knew him.
Remillard Girls
March 25, 2004
Coach you will be missed. Thanks for flag war and field days...Thanks for everything you brought to our school, for all your help and guidance.
Samantha & Alexandra Remillard
Robin Remillard
March 25, 2004
Every morning as I dropped my kids off, I would see Coach sitting in the golf cart, he always waved hello to me. He was the type of person who will leave a lasting impression on all of us at Morikami. I know that this is a very difficult time for all of you but your memories will hold forever in your hearts and Coach is free of pain and at peace. He will be missed.
Veronica Ryan (Lent)
March 24, 2004
Lori and Family,
On behalf of my parents, Hal and Mickey, and myself, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless you all.
Michael Raymond
March 24, 2004
I had the pleasure of coaching football with "Couse" at Boca Raton High School where he taught me how to coach. I will surely miss him and I send my prayers and blessings to the family.
Jeff Perlman
March 24, 2004
Dear Cousineau family:
On behalf of the Delray Beach City Commission please accept our condolences on your loss.
The Delray Beach community will be forever grateful for Mr. Cousineau's work with our youth. He has touched many, many lives.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jeff Perlman
Delray Beach
Gail Legenbauer
March 24, 2004
Dear Cousineau Family:
I had the pleasure of working with Tom for five years at Morikami Park Elem. He was an inspiration to us all. At lunch, we always reminisced about Cleveland. Every morning, he drove by in his Cadillac or golf cart and waved to me. I will never forget him.
Ellyn McDonald
March 24, 2004
I've known coach for 2 years when I first came to Morikami Park in 4th grade. Every week I looked forward to walking out onto the P.E. field and spending an hour with him. He was funny, nice, and was one of my most favorite teachers. I'll miss him very much but know he's in a better place. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Love,
Ellyn McDonald
One of my favorite pictures of Coach...his idea to have his picture taken at the computer.
Michelle McDonald
March 24, 2004
I had the privilege of working with Tom for the past two years. He was a wonderful role model for teachers with his dedication to children. He was a terrific role model for us all with his dedication to his family and friends. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Eric and Sharon Comini
March 23, 2004
Our prayers are with your family. Tom was an incredible person to work with.
kaely schuh
March 23, 2004
Dear Cousineau Family,
I just wanted you to know I am sorry to hear about coach.I am a student at Morikami.Coach was always fun to be with.He used to always let us play fun games,like flag war,football toss and more. I will miss him.
Love ,
Kaely Schuh
PETE GAMBINO
March 23, 2004
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR A GOOD FRIEND. I WILL MISS HIM!
Sandy Wesson
March 23, 2004
Dear Lori and Family,
Tom brought so much to all of the children, teachers, and parents at Morikami Park and he will be greatly missed by all. He was such a dedicated teacher, husband, and father--an inspiration to us all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dick Rogen
March 23, 2004
I am a friend of Yom Cousineau of Akron, Ohio. Please extend my condolences to the family.
Art Dworken
March 23, 2004
I met "Coach" Cousineau some years back when he taught a safe-driving night course at Spanish River High. He made the four-hour program entertaining and informative and he took particular delight that I knew of his son's football exploits at Ohio State.
I'm certain he will be missed, not just by his family, but in the community at large.
Paul Wexler
March 23, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
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