BUXTON - Paul Alderic Dufresne, age 73, passed away on November 23, 2021, at Maine Medical Center with his family at his bedside. He was born in Bath, Maine on May 5, 1948, to the late Paul Alfred and Muriel (Richard) Dufresne.
After graduating from Brunswick High School, Paul went on to attend the University of Maine in Orono graduating with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master’s in Public Administration. While studying at Orono, Paul met his future wife, Suzanne Thomas. Paul and Suzy (as he called her) were married on June 21, 1969, at the Chapel at the University of Maine.
For 17 years before retiring, Paul made many good friends working in the returns department at the South Portland Home Depot. After he retired, Paul helped establish Bulldog Auto in Buxton with his two younger sons, Patrick and Andrew. According to his sons, he spent his days as the highest paid parts delivery and shuttle driver in Maine.
Paul loved reading, all things music, playing guitar, and spending time with his family at Rowe Family Camps on Green Pond and Natures Wilderness Resort in Baldwin. He was a parishioner, guitarist and lead singer of the folk group at St. Anne’s Church in Gorham for 49 years. He was honored to be involved in music ministry and would often comment that “singing is like praying twice.”
Music was one of Paul’s passions - he could be heard singing whenever he had the chance - whether it was at church, at home in the living room, in the car, the National Anthem at a sporting event, or sitting around at camp. One of his earliest opportunities to perform was with his sister during their teenage years. Later, he was a member of Joyful Noise, with Mike Davis and Peter Gauci. Most recently, he was privileged to be part of the musical group, The Pinetones, performing at nursing homes, businesses and special functions around southern Maine. In the fall of 2018, to celebrate their 50th year of marriage, Paul and Suzy travelled with a group of wonderful friends to Ireland and Scotland. Paul and his friends felt blessed to have had the opportunity to join members of the Makem family to sing and play at Tossies, the ancestral home of one of his favorite folk singers, Tommy Makem.
Paul was involved in youth sports early on; coaching and officiating for years. One of his favorite pastimes was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, whether here in Maine or in Pennsylvania. From soccer to basketball, football, volleyball, baseball or lacrosse, Paul took every opportunity to be there to support and cheer on his grandkids. Referees and umpires were all too familiar with Grampa Dufresne on the sidelines. Paul was incredibly proud of all of his grandchildren and would share stories about them with anyone who might listen.
Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Suzanne (Suzy); his children - Jason Dufresne and his wife Lyn and their children Lochlin, Mairin, and Cailin of Harrisburg, PA; Shannan Houlette and her husband Tom and their children Madison, Spencer, Jackson and Charlotte of South Portland; Patrick Dufresne and his wife Pam and their children James and Emily of Hollis; Andrew Dufresne and his fiancee Alanna Hebert and their children Sawyer and Zoey of Windham; his brother Richard Dufresne and his wife Jolyne of Arundel, ME and The Villages, FL; and his sister Marie Dufresne of Brunswick.
At the end of a long week Paul enjoyed his glass of Jameson while Suzy sipped on an old fashion that he made for her. These times as well as any time he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren were ones he cherished most. Until the very end Paul was able to enjoy all the things he loved.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 6th at 10:30 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main St. Gorham.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com