Henry J. Ayotte

Henry Joseph Ayotte, 77, of Gray Court, SC, beloved widower of Janice Cooley Ayotte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Ernest A. Ayotte Sr. and Evelyn (Atherton) Ayotte Gallagher.

Henry proudly served as a mechanic in the United States Air Force, where he honed his skills and passion for all things mechanical. His love for vintage cars and tractors was a defining part of his life, and he could often be found tinkering in his garage, restoring cherished pieces of history. Henry’s hands were as skilled as his heart was warm, and he shared his passion for mechanics with family and friends. He retired from Ball Foster Glass Company, where he made lasting contributions as a skilled glass maker.

He is survived by his two children, Chris Ayotte (Ann Barry) and Jennifer Ayotte Thomason; his cherished dachshunds, Springer and Harley Boy; granddaughter Addison; and two siblings, Carl Ayotte, and Joyce Arakelian. He is also remembered by his brother-in-law Allen Cooley (Becky), sister-in-law Linda Ayotte, and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Henry was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest “Ernie” A. Ayotte Jr. and sister, Gloria Ayotte Cacicia.

The family extends special thanks to Henry’s healthcare support team for their compassionate care and dedication. Their support was invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Henry’s warmth, humor, and love for family and animals will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Turning Point of South Carolina in Greenville at https://turningpointofsc.org/donate/ or Farm Sanctuary (New York) at https://secure.farmsanctuary.org/honor-and-memory, as a tribute to his compassionate spirit.

A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at a later date.