Richard L. Dufresne, 76, of Woonsocket, died Tuesday evening at Landmark Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Jeannette L. (Cote) Dufresne. They were married on May 30, 1955 and had just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on Monday.
Born in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late Ernest and Florida (Morin) Dufresne. He remained a lifelong resident of the city.
Mr. Dufresne worked as a truck driver at J.O. Demers Beef Co. Inc. for over 20 years before retiring. He previously was employed at Swift Co. for several years and before that worked for Geanacou’s Market for 25 years.
He was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph’s Church.
Richard diligently followed both the Red Sox and Patriots through thick and thin as a lifelong loyal fan. He was also proud of maintaining his home and yard with his special touch.
Richard was the father of the late Marc L. Dufresne and father-in-law of the late Joanne Doura Dufresne.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a step-grandson Jason Passano, and his wife Samantha, and their son Ethan, all of Woonsocket, a step- granddaughter Jamie Oliveria, and her husband Daniel, of Fall River, and a sister Rachel McKeon of Woonsocket. He was the brother of the late Armand, Herve, Orion, Robert, and Paul Dufresne, Alice Logie, Beatrice Laliberte, Rhea Sorel, Rita Dufresne, Lillian Desjardins as well as three sisters who died in infancy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
His funeral will be Monday at 8:30 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, Mendon Rd., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Sunday from 3-6 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Dialysis Center of Woonsocket, Attn: Patient Assistance Fund, 2100 Diamond Hill Rd. Woonsocket, RI. 02895.
www.menardfuneralhome.com