Arthur G. Couture, Sr.

Arthur G. Couture, Sr., 89, of Garfield died Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at home.

He was born in Worcester, MA, the youngest of ten children. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of work at an early age, working as a picker in apple orchards. A heavily recruited standout high school basketball star, he instead chose to serve his country, joining the all volunteer US Army Airborne at the age of 17. A decorated combat veteran of the Korean War,  he served  with the 187^th Airborne Regimental Combat team, a regiment of the 11^th Airborne Division, known as “The Rakkasans.” After the success of the Inchon landings, the 187^th cleared the Kimpo Peninsula between the Han River and the Yellow Sea. In the months that followed, the 187^th defeated an enemy force of more that 3000 soldiers, performed a textbook combat jump (Parachute Assault), a Heavy Drop at Sukchon-Sunchon and defeated the Chinese in the Battle of Wonju. Tha Rakkasans performed another airborne assault into the Munsan-ni Valley and fought battles at Inje, Kumwha and Wonton-ni. His wartime experience stayed with him for the remainder of his life. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he married and moved to Garfield, NJ, where he lived the rest of his life. He worked for the Ford Motor Co. and also served as a United Auto Workers Union Official until his retirement.

Arthur was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Pearl (nee Barra) in 2012 and his son, Robert P. Couture on July 10, 2021; his parents and his nine siblings.
He is survived by his son, Arthur G. Couture, Jr. of Toms River; his daughter in law, Edna Couture of Garfield; his two grandchildren, Melody A. Couture/ Adler and Elias L. Couture, both of Watertown, MA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in New England and Quebec, Canada area.

Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 515 Lexington Avenue, Clifton. Funeral Ceremony will be 10:30 am Wednesday at the funeral home followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

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