Obituary: Paul E. Dufresne, 1929-2015, Winooski 

Paul E. Dufresne, age 85, a lifetime resident of Winooski, passed away on 01/03/2015 at home surrounded by his family.

Paul leaves his loving, caring and devoted wife of 59 years, Rita (Thibault), as well as his children; Louise & Richard Mongeon of Winooski, Raymond of Burlington, Normand and Kelly of Hawaii, Richard and Mary of New Jersey, Diane of Winooski, Jane and John Tafoya of Colorado, Janet and Ron Blair of Colchester and Marie and Hernan Zapata of Florida. Pepere leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition, Paul is survived by his sister Cecile and Marcel Messier, brother-in-law Conrad Bergeron and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul now joins his parents, Regis & Dorilda (Couture) sisters, Marie Ann Bergeron, Theresa Dufresne SP and his infant son George in eternal life.

Paul was a devoted husband, generous father and mentoring grandfather with a gentle demeanor. His job and life mission was to provide his family the best life possible.

He owned and operated Dufresne’s Gulf Station and Fuel Oil business for 33 years, until he retired in 1985. Numerous awards were bestowed upon him for exceptional business acumen and business pride as well as his legacy of foresight for the development of Dufresne Drive in Winooski.

Paul was a well-known and respected community member active in city government and ready to give his opinion and advice. You could always count on him for a good laugh and pranks with his buddies.

Paul was a lifetime member of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Elk’s Club # 0916, 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Winooski Senior Center and the Winooski Historical Society. Thanks to Dr. Timothy Hebert and the VNA program for Paul’s care. The family would like to express our special thanks and appreciation for the compassionate, competent care given by Melanie and her caring team.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 3 St. Peter St, Winooski, VT 05404 as well as the Visiting Nurses Association of Colchester, Hospice program, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester VT 05446.

Visitation will be held at LaVigne Funeral Home on Thursday. Jan 8 from 3pm-7pm. A Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated on Friday January 9, at Saint Francis Xavier Church, at 10am with burial to follow. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements are with the LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St. in Winooski. Online condolences may be shared with the family at lavignefuneralhome.com.