On October 9, 2025, Michael James Coutinho passed away after a very brief battle with cancer. Mike was 68 and lived most of his life in the Acushnet home built by his parents Manuel and Elizabeth Coutinho. Mike and his wife Susan raised their family in that same home.

Mike leaves behind his loving wife Susie of almost 45 years, their daughter Elizabeth Pereira whom he was extremely proud of and her husband Joseph. Mike was predeceased by their son Nicholas who he hoped to see again. He had two loving grandchildren, Aubrey and Ashton Pereira who affectionately called him Grumpa, a name he was very proud of.

Mike has two sisters, Cynthia Semple of Rochester and Susan Sorelle of East Freetown, his nephews Aaron and Nathan Sorelle and his nieces Anne Sorelle and Tara Farias Deschenes. Michael was also predeceased by his nephew Jason Sorelle.

In his lifetime, Mike wore many hats..., Veteran, Actor, Chef, Trivia Wiz, Santa, Friend and Correctional Officer. Mike joined the Navy at 19, with his first assignment on the Destroyer USS Vogelgesang. He then transferred to the Army and joined the 747th MP Company. From there, with his brothers of the 115th MP Company, Donald Gaudette, George Challis and Charles Pelletier, they were deployed in Desert Storm. He proudly wore Veteran clothing and would extend his hand in appreciation to any vet who also served.

Mike was formerly employed as a corrections officer at MCI Bridgewater for many years until his retirement.

Mike loved to laugh but what he enjoyed most was making others laugh. For three years, the Wildcat Theater Group in Acushnet gave him the opportunity to do just that and act alongside his friend of over 60 years, Rob Goulart, "his brother from another mother". Mike not only acted - he built sets, promoted plays and worked unselfishly behind the curtain in productions he was not a part of. Acting, comedic timing and the joy of entertaining came naturally to Mike. No joy was greater for him than to hear the laughter of the audience. The most wasted of all days is one without laughter: Mike never wasted a day!

He was well known for his talent to decorate their family home for Halloween and Christmas. Last Halloween, our local radio station FUN107 featured the Coutinho house in their Halloween contest. Dozens of families with Trick or Treaters visited, drove by and enjoyed the display. They would also use it as a backdrop in their family pictures

The Coutinho Family Christmas Party was by far his favorite event. The menu was planned far in advance and prepping took days. Family, friends, in laws and extended family would arrive ready to eat. Nothing made Mike happier than seeing guests arrive with their empty food containers ready to be filled with leftovers they could take home. The most popular dishes were "Uncle Mike's" renowned Cacoila and Stuffed Mushroom Caps.

Mike passed through our lives leaving with each of us a little of his love of food, funny jokes and commitment to people he loved. These are only some of the things we'll miss.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 18th at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday October 17th from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care,1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904. HopeHealth supported Mike and his family at a very difficult time.