Joseph Coutu

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Joseph Henry (Ronald) Coutu. For 92 years he was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a kind, generous and soft-spoken soul who always had a gentle smile, a twinkle in his eye, and was always willing to help others who needed it.

Joe was born at home in Taftville, Connecticut, in May of 1932, during the Great Depression. He was the youngest of seven children born to French Canadian parents, Anna and Felix Coutu. He graduated from the Norwich Free Academy in 1950 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War. With the help of the G.I. Bill, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business at the University of Connecticut in 1958. Joe went on to have a fulfilling career in banking and in 1972 he earned the role of Senior Vice President of New England Savings Bank. Following a lengthy career in banking, he “retired” and went on to become a tax specialist at H&R Block for almost two decades. Afterwards, Joe volunteered his services at the Norwich Senior Center. He was always happy to share his vast knowledge of tax codes and prepare tax returns for countless family, friends, and community members. Joe had a way with numbers and could balance a checkbook down to the penny in no time.

Joe married his beloved wife, Patricia Muench, on October 11th, 1969 where they made a home and shared a beautiful life together in Norwich, Connecticut. He is survived by his wife, children, grand children, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies and past-times. Joe was passionate about fishing, photography, jogging, the Boston Red Sox, UCONN basketball, fine wine and a good book. He loved a variety of music, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and Artie Shaw, to name a few. Mostly he was happiest spending time with his friends and family. We have been blessed to have known and loved him all these years. We will love and miss him forever.

A Celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St. Norwich at 10:30 am. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery with full military honors will immediately follow the service.

Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave a message of condolence for Joe's family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph’s name to the COPD Foundation (www.COPDfoundation.org) or the Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).