Obituaries

Paul Francis Couchot passed away on January 22, 2019 at the age of 90. He had been a resident of Newark, California since 1960 and a California resident his entire life.

Paul was born in Alameda, California on July 28, 1928. On his maternal side, he was the great, great, great grandson of Don Luis Maria Peralta, Spanish soldier and pioneer rancher. Don Luis was awarded for his services to the Spanish Crown and country, the royal land grant of Rancho San Antonio comprising what is today an extensive part of Alameda County. On his paternal side, he was the grandson of Maurice Couchot, the prominent engineer of many landmark buildings in the Bay Area. The unique cement process he developed created numerous buildings that survived the Great San Francisco Earthquake, some that remain vibrant today. One example is the Palace of Fine Arts. Married in 1959, he is survived by his wife Nancy Ann (Gillard) Couchot. His children Denise Couchot Aghazarian (Ron Aghazarian) and Paul J. Couchot (Stephanie Rede Couchot). He was adored by his grandchildren Rochelle Couchot, Nicholas Couchot, Samantha Aghazarian and Marlo Aghazarian. Paul is preceded in death by his brothers Maurice Couchot, George Couchot and Quinten Couchot. He is survived by his sister Rene Scott, his brother Charles Couchot, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

After graduating from the University of San Francisco in 1953, he served as an army counter intelligence agent in Korea from 1954-1956. He thereafter received his teaching credential, and in the process met his future wife.

In 1989, Paul retired from the San Lorenzo School district after 30 years. He was a dedicated and respected teacher sharing his sense of humor and creativity with his students and fellow teachers. His hobbies included history, carpentry, and poetry, the fruits of which were bestowed upon and enjoyed by his family. Paul enjoyed being a part of the Newark community. Assisting in the establishment of Bobby Sox softball was just one his many contributions to the Newark community. He was a devout and practicing Catholic his entire life. His warmth, charm, and humor made him a special person. The love and support that we have received from our community of friends and family has been much appreciated.

A family graveside service was held on February 9, 2019.