Dwight "Ted" Austin Ayotte

Ted was born on June 5, 1942, and grew up in West Swanzey, where he was an active member of his community. He was involved in the West Swanzey Drum Corps, served as a volunteer firefighter, and played on many teams with the West Swanzey Athletic Club Softball League.

Ted graduated from Keene High School in 1960 and remained committed to his alma mater, participating in reunion committees for many years. In 1975, he graduated from Keene State College, where he was a Dean’s List student and a member of the college baseball team. This year, Ted proudly attained Golden Circle status in recognition of his 50 years as a Keene State alumni.

Ted proudly served in the United States Army with the National Security Agency (NSA) for over five years. After his active service, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve, where he worked as an instructor for more than 20 years. His service to his country and his dedication to duty left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

It was after returning from Japan that Ted met his future wife, Ann, at the Bernardston Inn. Together, they shared more than 56 years of marriage, filled with love and adventure.

Ted spent much of his professional life as a production supervisor at several companies, including Homestead Woolens, C.R. Bard, and Fulflex in Brattleboro. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Above all, Ted was a devoted father and grandfather. His daughter, Lynne, was his pride and joy, and they shared countless hours enjoying various sports and activities. Ted’s love for his three grandchildren, Kate, Ryan, and Jack, was immeasurable. He cherished the time he spent with them, whether watching their sporting events or taking them on fun and memorable trips.

Together, the family visited many destinations, including Florida attractions like Disney World, Amelia Island, and Sanibel. Ted and Ann also traveled extensively, exploring destinations such as Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Ireland, and the Holy Land. However, no place was more treasured than York Beach in Maine, where Ted leaves behind beautiful memories of time spent with loved ones.

In his retirement, Ted became an avid reader and found joy in skiing at Okemo, Sunapee, and Stratton, as well as visiting ski areas out west. He also enjoyed golfing at Spofford and Hooper Golf Club in Walpole, where he made many cherished memories with friends and family.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Ann; his daughter, Lynne Delaney and her husband Joe; his three grandchildren, Kate, Ryan, and Jack; his sister, Caryl Carroll and her husband Rob; his brother, Gordie; his brother-in-law, Jake Minkler; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Charlotte (Chamberlain) and Ernest Ayotte; his sister, Charlene Whitaker; his brother, Ronnie; and his brothers-in-law, Tommy, Poochie (Bob), and Charlie Minkler.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6th at 11:00am in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial with committal prayers and military honors will follow the funeral mass in St. Joseph Cemetery, Main Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ted’s name to the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4, 797 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431; or to the Keene VFW Post 799, 459 Winchester Street, Keene, NH 03431, honoring his service to his country.