Edward R. Archambault

Edward R. Archambault left us to be with the Lord on April 25. His three sons, David, John, and Jim, were at his bedside as he passed peacefully from natural causes.

Ed was an outstanding musician, an avid and capable golfer, and a well-traveled and accomplished businessman, who was quick to make friends wherever he went. Most of all he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his still-growing family.

Ed grew up in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the first-born child of Edward and Ella Archambault, and the regular companion of his maternal grandfather, Roscoe “Rock” Cook. He grew up playing sports, especially hockey on the local ponds. His skill, enthusiasm and leadership won him the letter “C” for captain of the Woonsocket High School hockey team his senior year.

While Ed maintained a lifelong interest in sports, his favorite pastime from the age of ten was playing the trumpet. At age fourteen Ed put together his own band, the Bob Edwards Orchestra, and played numerous gigs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After high school, Ed joined the US Navy and attended the Naval School of Music. While there he was assigned to play “Taps” at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Following graduation, he was assigned to the Pacific Fleet band which toured multiple countries in Asia performing for dignitaries, special ceremonies and ambassadorial parties. Ed had a gift for playing tunes from memory and for improvising. This translated to him being the jazz soloist in a number of big bands and combos through the years.      

Before leaving for the military, Ed met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dottie” Ayotte, whom he married near the end of his military enlistment. Not long thereafter, they had their first child, their son David, followed a few years later by a second son, John, and then a third, Jim. In the meantime, Ed attended Bryant College (now University) and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. After various accounting and auditing stints in the Woonsocket area, including a time as City Controller, Ed moved the family to Binghamton, New York. Climbing the corporate ladder took the family to Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, before they returned to Rhode Island, settling for several years in Barrington.

Later Ed and Dottie moved to the New York city area briefly, before finding much joy in Midlothian and then Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ed finished his working career as the Corporate Credit Manager for Volvo Penta, the marine engine division of Volvo. He and Dottie retired to Florida in 2004, where they enjoyed many wonderful years in Hobe Sound and The Villages.

Throughout his life, Ed continued to play the trumpet, gigging in such varied situations as the Ringling Brothers Circus, recording with popular band leader, Loonis McGlohon, and in bands backing several well-known jazz and big band vocalists, as well as playing in a number of big bands and Dixieland Jazz combos. His big sound and improvisational skills were well known and highly respected in music circles wherever he lived.

Retirement brought the joy of spending time with Dottie, playing golf, making friends, and engaging in many activities with friends and family. He loved playing golf with his sons and having a good time with his family. As Dottie grew ill, Ed was by her side at every possible moment, encouraging and supporting her. After Dottie’s death in 2022, Ed went to live with his son Jim in Winter Haven, Florida. With his health limiting what he could do physically, he soon added to his knowledge of the stock market originally gained through Dottie and researched companies, picked stocks and traded routinely. He had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a creativity that came out in his writing and music.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Dorothy G. (Ayotte) Archambault. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Crisafulli (Joseph) of Cumberland and his three sons, David E. Archambault (Elizabeth) of Butler, PA, John R. Archambault of Greensboro, NC, and James T. Archambault (Bobbi) of Winter Haven, Fl, as well as his daughter-in-law Louise T. Archambault, five grandchildren, James C. Archambault, Joshua M. Archambault, Andrew D. Archambault, Elizabeth C. Grissom, and Jordan T. Archambault, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong Catholic, his memorial service will be held Monday, June 15, 2026 beginning with visitation at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1200 Mendon Rd., Woonsocket. Burial, with Military Honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, West Wrentham Rd., Cumberland. Ed will be laid to rest beside Dottie and near his parents. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket.

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