Former Somersworth, New Hampshire Deputy Police Chief Dead at 88

Former Somersworth Deputy Police Chief Lionel Couture died over the weekend, according to the Somersworth Police Department.

Couture was 88 years old, according to his obituary.

In a post to their Facebook page, the Somersworth police department said Couture began his police career in July 1955. Couture began as a patrolman and rose through the ranks as a patrol sergeant and was later appointed as deputy chief. Couture also twice served as acting chief for the Somersworth Police Department.

Couture retired as deputy chief in July 1984, after 29 years of service.

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Somersworth Police Chief David Kretschmar shared his personal recollections of Couture in the post:

I was fortunate to have worked directly for Deputy Chief Couture, I have never forgotten how he treated me. He made an impact on me, and is truly one of the reasons I am where I am at today. Thank you 'Dep,' I will never forget you, we will meet again someday.

Couture's obituary said he was a sergeant in the United States Army, responsible for training new recruits during the Korean War.

Couture is predeceased by his parents Alfred (Nash) and Jessie (Kerr) Couture, five brothers and two sisters, his obituary said. He is survived by his three daughters Linda Stacy and Wayne, Diana Edgecomb and Tim and Cheryl LaPanne and Peter, as well as his four grandchildren Todd, Chad, Jenny and Derek and eight great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Bernier Funeral Home on South Street in Somersworth. Funeral Services, by invite only, will be Wednesday morning at Holy Trinity Church, with a burial to follow immediately after.