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On February 28th, 2025, we lost a son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Born on September 19th, 1958, Paul J. Archibald was a creative, intelligent, and caring individual. He dedicated decades of his life to nursing, educating, and spending time with his family.
Paul grew up in northern New York and served proudly as a Naval Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy before earning his RN. His nursing career included, among many others, work in the Emergency Department at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, NY, and in the Intensive Care Unit at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY. He also devoted several years to mentoring students at Empire State College in Watertown, NY — always happy to share his knowledge, and sometimes letting his young daughter, Caitlin, draw on the classroom whiteboard while he taught.
On September 10th, 1994, Paul married Kathryn Ann Kolton at First Presbyterian Church in Watertown, NY. Though they later divorced in 2017, they shared many years together and the joy of raising their daughter.
In retirement, Paul found joy in designing intricate model ships on his computer, immersing himself in science fiction, and spending time with his daughter, Caitlin, and his grandsons, Oliver and Grayson, who brought him endless joy and pride. Over the years, he also cherished the companionship of his dogs Rusty, Stitch, Eeyore, and Roo.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Archibald. He is survived by his mother, Joan Archibald; his daughter, Caitlin J. Archibald; his beloved grandsons, Oliver and Grayson; his brother, Peter Archibald; his sister, Janet; and his dog, Roo.
Paul will be remembered for his quick wit, his deep love of science and learning, his dedication to caring for others, and his quiet but unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Please join us in honoring the life and memory of Paul J. Archibald on Friday, September 19 at 3pm at First Presbyterian Church on Washington St. in Watertown. If the weather is good we will meet on the labyrinth on the south side of the church before going into the chapel. Everyone is welcome to share their stories and memories of Paul. There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall after the service.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul J. Archibald, please visit our floral store.