On 31 January 2024, Dr. Archie R. Touchette, 97, died peacefully at his home in Cumberland, RI with his beloved wife by his side.

Archie was born on 28 January 1927 in Blackstone, MA, the same year that Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo, non-stop transatlantic flight. The only son of the late Archie J. Touchette and Louisa (Aucoin) Touchette, Archie began his education at St. Teresa's Elementary School. He spent the next six years at Assumption Prep school, Assumption High School and Assumption College in Worcester, MA. He then went to Washington, DC and graduated from Georgetown Dental School in 1949, at the age of 22.

After completing a residency in oral surgery at Rhode Island Hospital, Archie opened his dental practice in 1950 in Woonsocket, RI which was active for more than half a century until 2002. During the Korean War, he served as a First Lieutenant in the 2nd Army division, first in a MASH unit in Korea from 1952-1953 and then in Devon, MA until his discharge in 1954. After this hiatus, he returned to his Woonsocket office and established a satellite clinic in North Grosvenordale, CT for 5 years. He was on the staff of Day-Kimball Hospital in CT for half a decade and at Woonsocket Hospital for 25 years.

He continued practicing as a dentist into his mid-80's, visiting nursing homes throughout the state of Rhode Island till 2012. His patients, young and old, loved him for his patience, compassion and his knowledge. An active member of the Rhode Island Dental Association as well as the Woonsocket Dental Society, he served as President for two years.

Archie loved people, especially his family. He traveled widely in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe, meeting new friends and sharing stories about his family, his dreams, his experiences or the latest book he was reading. He especially loved traveling to Paris where he spoke French fluently with the Parisians. Always learning and always with a book or journal in hand he embraced life and lived it fully. His generosity and willingness to help family and friends in need was legendary.

Archie was an avid athlete throughout his life. An active tennis player, golf enthusiast and downhill skier, he finally hung up his skis at the age of 85. He also enjoyed water skiing at his beloved home on Little Pond in Thompson, CT. He passionately followed professional sports especially, basketball, football and tennis, rooting for his teams and favorite players with enthusiasm.

An organizer by nature, Archie loved to get people together whether it be a foursome for tennis or golf or a group of local dentists for weekly luncheons. After selling his practice in 2002, he began a monthly dinner gathering of area dentists, some of whom had retired while others were still actively practicing. Their lively discussions led to lifelong friendships.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Colleen Ethier Touchette, his three daughters Charleen Touchette (S. Barry Paisner), Kim Touchette (Hilton Weiss) and Lori-Ann Touchette (Paolo Porelli), six grandchildren Jacques, Sage, Raoul, Liesette, Jennifer and Stephanie and seven great grandchildren Alita, Isabelle, Niko, Amélie, Leo, Sam and Milo.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 3rd at 10:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 2nd, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Rd., Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Health Hospice , 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, or at a charity of your choice.