“There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west
And my spirit is crying for leaving.
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
and the voices of those who stand looking.
Ooh, it makes me wonder.
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long, and the forests will echo with laughter.
Yes, there are two paths you can go by,
but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.
And if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last.”
Edward Potemri, 55, a lifelong resident of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was born June 24, 1970, the beloved son of Ann (Wunderlin) Potemri and the late Peter Potemri.
He grew up alongside his siblings John, Jim, Barbara, and Joe, forming close bonds that strengthened throughout his life. Eddie graduated from Woonsocket High school, class of 1988.
A devoted music lover, he pursued a career as a musician, fronting local rock cover bands such as Fool ’n Round & Chameleon while also composing his own music. He brought boundless energy and heart to the stage for every performance and remained an avid Led Zeppelin fan, delighting in sharing his passion for music and history with family and friends.
Eddie was a creative cook, pouring his heart and soul into every detail of a meal – shopping, preparing, cooking and selecting just the right touch of ingredients to achieve flavor palette perfection. He loved hosting, especially when his mother came to dinner on Tuesdays. He had a brilliant mind, and a keen interest in movies and films of all genres, regularly exploring and binge-watching with his best friend Rick Silva.
Eddie had quite a gift for storytelling, and his many nieces and nephews will forever remember the way he could spin a tale about anything and everything. His always positive outlook and warm demeanor will be missed.
Eddie faced life’s challenges with his own special blend of courage, resilience and a live-and-let-live spirit. He suffered injuries from a diving accident in young adulthood that left him quadriplegic, yet he remained strong through the adversity, determined to live fully and continue doing what he loved. His greatest joy was bringing people together and making everyone feel like family, and his proudest accomplishment was being able to raise his son.
Besides his mother, Ann Potemri of Woonsocket, Edward leaves his son, Robert Anthony Archer, and Robert’s significant other, Rebekah Algarin, also of Woonsocket. He is further survived by his siblings: John (Sanine) Potemri of Holliston, MA; James (Dianne) Potemri of Avon, MA; Barbara (Roland) Hudon of Harrisville, RI; and Joseph (Pamela) Potemri of North Stonington, CT. Eddie’s memory will be cherished by extended family, including many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families, as well as an aunt and uncle, cousins, and their families.
Eddie’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the CNAs of Hope Nursing Care for their many years of in-home service and dedicated caregiving.
Visiting hours will be held Friday November 14, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:30 am at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM In St. Agatha’s Church, 34 Joffre Ave. Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Manville.