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Ronald D. Archer, 93, emeritus professor of chemistry, died April 25 in Amherst.

Archer joined the UMass Amherst faculty in 1966. As a chemistry professor and former chair of the department, he enjoyed teaching and mentoring students and postdoctoral fellows and was a dedicated scholar, authoring numerous publications and reviews in inorganic chemistry. An active member of the American Chemical Society, he served in multiple leadership positions and was honored as a fellow of the society. He retired from the university with emeritus status in 1999.

A memorial service for Archer will be held at 2 p.m. on June 6 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, with visitation starting at 1 p.m. and a brief Masonic memorial service at 1:15 p.m.

Archer’s obituary, as published by the Daily Hampshire Gazette on May 7, can be found below.
 

Ronald Dean Archer, 93, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away April 25, 2026. Ron was a chemistry professor at UMass Amherst, where he enjoyed teaching and mentoring. He was a dedicated scholar, authoring numerous publications and reviews in chemistry.

Ron was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for 60 years, where he sang in the choir and served in many capacities. He also enjoyed playing tennis and golf, sailing, and traveling. He was a member of the Amherst Rotary, a long time Pacific Lodge Free Mason of Amherst and an active member of the Melha Shriners. He enjoyed playing his clarinet in numerous bands and at sunset on the beach at Boca Grande.

Above all, Ron cherished time with his family and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. He will be remembered for his warmth, outgoing personality, and enthusiasm for life.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on June 6, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with visitation starting at 1pm and a brief Masonic Memorial Service at 1:15pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran or American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

For the full obituary, go to www.douglassfuneral.com.