Roland J. Coutu, 58, of Warwick passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, July 29, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Patricia E. (Gentile) Coutu to whom he had been married for 26 years. He was born on October 4, 1958 in Warwick, a son of Gertrude M. (Shields) Coutu and the late Clarence J. Coutu. Roland was a member of the West Warwick Police Department for over 23 years, most recently a Major as well as SWAT Team Commander. He served as the Lead investigator for the West Warwick Police Department in the 2003 Station Nightclub Fire that claimed over 100 lives and was assigned to the R.I. Attorney General's Office as a Special Investigator. He considered himself very fortunate to have pursued his passion for law enforcement and prided himself as a mentor, providing guidance to other officers and to those seeking employment. He joined the police department at a later age than most, following earlier careers in the financial industry and with the Coutu Lumber Company in West Warwick, a former R.I. family business. He held roles in many professional services organizations throughout his career. He gained undergraduate degrees from Boston University in Business Management and Roger Williams University in Administration of Justice. He attained a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He also obtained a number of professional certifications during his lengthy service. Roland lived a wonderful, albeit short life and was most happy when hosting family and friends at his home. He was an avid New England Patriots fan, was technologically savvy and enjoyed trouble-shooting computer problems. Other passions included grilling, making sauce and meatballs with his daughter, keeping up on the latest car and truck features with his son, and strolling the shoreline at Narragansett with his wife. Besides his wife and mother, he leaves his two adored children, Katherine and Nicholas, whom he considered his greatest gifts on earth. His three sisters, Diane and Deborah Coutu of Natick, MA, and Denise Wells and husband, Lloyd of Rochester, MN; three brothers, Michael Coutu and wife, Joanne of Rye Beach, NH, Paul Coutu and wife, Cheryl of Seekonk, MA, and Carl J. Coutu and wife, Mary of West Warwick. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews, friends and professional associates. His funeral will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 9:30 am from the Potvin-Quinn Funeral Home, 45 Curson Street, West Warwick with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to , P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. For more information or to leave condolences, kindly visit potvinquinnfuneralhome.com.