Middleboro - Robert J. Dupre, 80, of Middleboro, formerly of East Bridgewater and Lakeville, died Sunday at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton after a period of failing health. He was the husband of Kate D. (Bigelow) Dupre.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Robert J. and Gertrude (Turner) Dupre.
Mr. Dupre had resided in Middleboro for the past 27 years, coming from East Bridgewater and Lakeville.
He received his high school degree for the operations recogintion program.
Mr. Dupre also received an associate's degree from San Berdino College in California.
He was a former East Bridgewater Police officer for 18 years., former correction officer for 30 years and a custom home builder for 40 years.
Mr. Dupre was a World War II decorated U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater.
He was also the first person to enlist in Navy out of high school.
Mr. Dupre enjoyed custom model building and was very active helping troubled youths in East Bridgewater.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Robert J. Dupre and Jean Dupre, both of Lakeville, Sally Auld of Georgia, Nancy Young of Bridgewater and Janet Gross of Taunton; his foster daughter, Jennifer Lopez of Middleboro; two sisters, Loretta Ring-Cruz and Lillian Dupre, both of Bridgewater; two brothers, Raymond Dupre of Sandwich and William Dupre of Plymouth; many grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a brother to the late Annette Adamic.
His funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday from the Prophett Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. (Rte. 18), Bridgewater, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 in St. Martha & Mary Church, Lakeville. Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Veterans organization.