Deacon James B. Couture, 81

FITCHBURG – Deacon James Bernard Couture, 81,  passed into the arms of his heavenly father on Tuesday, April 27, with his loving family beside him. He was born in Fitchburg to William E. and Freida O. (Spitzer) Couture. He attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School and Fitchburg State University.

Deacon Couture was the co-owner and president of the former M.C.M. Furniture and Appliance Company in Leominster, which was started by his father in 1939. He enjoyed a 50-year career at M.C.M. and helped to grow the business with his siblings, Janice, John, Bill, and Carolyn. Although Deacon Couture had sought a religious vocation in his earlier years, his father convinced him that he needed his excellent salesmanship at M.C.M.

Many years later, he still realized he had a calling to a religious vocation and decided to embark on the path to become a deacon, a path that would require his wife to endorse his choice as she was also required to attend theological classes. He completed his theological studies in the Diocese of Worcester and was ordained into the diaconate on December 8, 2001. Deacon Couture’s first assignment was at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Athol and St. Peter Parish in Petersham. He next served at Holy Rosary in Gardner. Deacon Couture then returned to his lifelong parish of St. Joseph in Fitchburg where he spent the next 16 years until his recent retirement. He helped facilitate the sale of St. Joseph's School and advised on financial matters for the church in addition to his pastoral duties. His most joyous accomplishment as a Deacon was bringing more than 300 babies and young adults into the Catholic faith through the sacrament of baptism.


Deacon Couture was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #99 and served as president of the St. Joseph School Association and the St. Joseph Parish Council.

Deacon Couture and Ruth established a charitable foundation and through that supported many charities including Indian mission schools as well as multi-denominational organizations.

He enjoyed watching his beloved New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox and relished their championships. His hobbies included gardening, golfing and, in his earlier years, enjoyed extensive international travel.

He leaves his loving wife of 61 years, Ruth Ann (Hallock); a son Michael and his wife Barbara of Fitchburg; two daughters, Mary-Catherine Dennehy and her husband Jonathan of Dublin, Ireland (formerly Ashburnham), and Heidi Couture of Fitchburg.

He leaves five grandchildren, Mark Couture (Jackie), Jessica Lawrence (Randy), Zephaniah Callwood (Brianna), Olivia Callwood, and Seamus Dennehy. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Tai and Lola Couture, William and Nicolas Lawrence, Kaia and Korra Callwood and Avery McDougal. He leaves two sisters, Carolyn Normandin and Janice Greenberg (Peter), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends.

He is predeceased by a daughter, Lorinn Couture, his parents and three brothers, William, Donald and John Couture.

Calling hours will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Fitchburg on Monday, May 3 from 4-7 p.m. A prayer Vigil will be held that evening at 7.

Due to COVID protocols, a private funeral Mass will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. Joseph's Church in Fitchburg.

The Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com