Archibald R "Pop" Desnoyers

Archibald Royal "Pop" Desnoyers, 97, passed away March 2, 2018 at his family home in Plattsburgh, New York from a brief illness. Pop's journey began on July 6th, 1920 in Malone, New York, son of Melvin and Exzina Desnoyers. He had two brothers who predeceased him, Theodore and Reverend Eugene Desnoyers. He was an altar boy at Notre Dame Catholic Church where, following the tradition of his family, began his interest in music. In 1944 he married Ruth Arbor Krebs Desnoyers and they relocated to the Utica New York area where Pop worked for Savage Arms, specifically manufacturing the firing pins of the 30 and 50 caliber machine guns used by the United States Military. After World War II they moved back to Malone where Pop was employed by the Atlantic Refinery Corporation while also assisting his father at the American Shoe Hospital. In 1953, Pop was transferred to Gouverneur, New York and eventually worked for McAllister Oil Corporation driving oil truck, and working as a sales representative in the plumbing and heating department. He eventually retired from Ashland Oil Corporation in 1984. Pop was very active in the music scene at a young age and played Trumpet for several bands in Northern New York and Canada such as the Atlantic City Four, The Four Tones, and Shades of Rhythm among others. He also sang in a barber shop group called the Mumblers while he resided in Gouverneur. In 1986 Ruth passed away and Pop moved to Olean, New York to be closer to his children. He puttered around his home and was a member of the Geritol Golf League. Golf was a passion for Pop and he was the only man we knew that came back with 30 more balls than he started with as he would scour the woods and tall grasses. He had a small closet full of egg crates with clean and shiny golf balls for all his family members and friends. After his 70th birthday he recorded two USGA sanctioned holes-in-one at the St. Bonaventure Golf Course! In 1990, Pop married Mary Bowser and they stayed in their cozy home until Mary's passing in 2010. At that time Pop decided to move to Plattsburgh New York where he had resided since. Pop was a very giving man and had a very cluttered birthday calendar. He was always sure that a card went out to each person on that calendar with the salutation on each card stating---Love, Caring, and Sharing. He took great pride in his home and always helped his neighbors whenever he was able, often seen at early morning hours removing snow from their properties. Pop always was always ready to have a cold beer with anyone. In addition, he was a proponent of his homemade "elixir of life" which was administered religiously each morning for several years and which he credits as a reason for his longevity. He was a sports enthusiast favoring the Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees as well as enjoying boxing and horse racing. Pop organized family and neighborhood wiffleball games his entire life! He loved his doggies, Rusty and Little Archie, and will be missed very much by his Cali Cat. Pop is survived by three sons, Paul (Esther), Peter and Mark (Yvonne), and his daughter Cheryl as well as six grandchildren and two great grandchildren who adore their Grampie. He was a very religious man and a fine example to his children and others. Pop was a kind, caring soul who was nothing less than a gentleman to everyone. He leaves many of us saddened but totally fulfilled. A memorial mass will be announced this spring in Olean New York, with burial in Sizerville, PA. Donations can be made to Clinton County Office for the Aging (EISEP Program) or Hospice of the North Country. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com