Brother Mark D. Couture

ALFRED – Brother Mark D. Couture, 89, a Brother of Christian Instruction for 70 years, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Sanford.

The son of Donat and Rita (Prefontaine) Couture, Mark was born in Somersworth, NH on Sunday, Dec. 1, 1934. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford in 1953 and joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction, soon after. Brother Mark obtained a bachelor’s degree from LaMennais College.

In 1954, Brother Mark began his novitiate studies at Oka, Quebec where he pronounced his first vows. In 1959, he made his final commitment. His first teaching assignment was at Mount Assumption in Plattsburgh, NY where he taught American History and Political Science for 21 years. He also taught three years at Msgr. Prevost High School in Fall River, Mass.

Since 1986, Brother Mark was busy on the Alfred Campus as a groundskeeper in summer and doing snow removal in winter until his retirement in 2021.

Brother Mark was predeceased by his parents, Donat and Rita Prefontaine Couture Bernier, his stepfather, Camille Bernier; his siblings Dick Couture and Jackie; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by cousins, Mike and Rachel Prefontaine and their daughter, Ericka Sanborn and her husband Patrick and their daughter, Margaret and his religious family.

Visiting hours will be at the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred Wednesday Oct. 16 beginning at 4:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday Oct. 17 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow in the Brother’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home in Springvale. To view Brother Mark’s memorial page or share an online condolence please visit http://www.blackfuneralhomes.com.