Francis Coutinho Worked as Commercial Fisherman

Francis A. (Frank) Coutinho, loving husband of Flora A. Jardin Coutinho, died on Monday, July 24, at his home in West Tisbury. He was 85. He was a communicant of St. Augustine's Church.

Frank was born in Tisbury on Jan. 29, 1921. He attended Tisbury School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force with an honorable discharge. Upon returning to the Vineyard he worked as a commercial fisherman on the F/V Viking for many years until his retirement in 1982.

Frank's passion was spending his summer months in his vegetable and flower gardens. He also loved the violin; he started playing by ear as a young boy and continued throughout his life. He also spent many of his retirement years traveling in Europe and Africa.

Besides his wife, Flora, he is survived by two sons, John Coutinho and his wife, Karen, of Marlboro and Craig Coutinho; a daughter, Brenda, and her husband, Michael Canha; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He held a special place in his heart for Dr. Mary Jane Williams, who was very supportive during medical issues.

His funeral mass will be held in St. Augustine's Church in Vineyard Haven on Monday, July 31, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery on State Road in Vineyard Haven with military honors provided by the Veterans of Martha's Vineyard. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs on Sunday evening, July 30, from 7 to 9.

Memorial donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Parish, P.O. Box 1058, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or to a charity of one's choice. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.