Rev. Richard L. Archambault

1930 - 2018

REV. RICHARD L. ARCHAMBAULT 1930 - 2018
NORWICH - The Reverend Richard L. Archambault, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died March 8, 2018, in Putnam, Connecticut. He was 88. As both educator and pastor, Father Archambault is fondly remembered as a compassionate and giving priest.
Father Archambault, son of Joseph A. Archambault and Bernadette (Coderre) Archambault, was born in Putnam CT. He prepared for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT and St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, NY, and pursued further theological studies at St. Sulpice in Issy, France.
He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend Bernard J. Flanagan, D.D., Bishop of Norwich on July 2, 1955 at St. Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale, CT.
Following his ordination, Father Archambault's first parish assignments were at St. Patrick Cathedral, Norwich, St. Mary in Putnam and Sacred Heart in Taftville.
His service to the Diocese of Norwich as educator broadened in 1963 when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of schools. In 1965, he would become the Superintendent of Diocesan Schools.
In 1972, Father was appointed Pastor, St. Patrick Church in Mystic, CT., where he would serve the faithful for six years, before returning to Putnam to serve at the Holy Spirit Provincial House. While serving there, Father became Chaplain and Director of Project Northeast, an organization dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need across a wide circle of communities. Project Northeast is part of the living legacy of caring of Father Archambault.
Father Archambault is survived by his brothers, Reverend Monsignor Henry N. Archambault, J.C.D., P.A., Diocese of Norwich, Charles Archambault of N. Grosvenordale, J. Paul Archambault of PA; a sister, Denise Hutchinson of N. Grosvenordale, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers A. Leon Archambault, Maurice Archambault, and J. Bernard Archambault, and a sister Jeanne Brodeur.
The Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church will take place on Tuesday, March 13, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT. Following that ceremony, Father Archambault's body will lie in state until 7:00 p.m. when a Mass will be celebrated for his repose in the Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Memorial donations in Fr. Richard's memory may be made to Project Northeast, 81 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.