FRESNO, CA– Patrick Dufour, 93, of Fresno, CA, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, just hours shy of his 94th birthday. Patrick was born to Thomas and Anna Marie Dufour (Vaillancourt) and was raised in a large, loving family. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, a chapter of his life that shaped his strong work ethic and dedication to his family. He was a devoted father to his two sons and three daughters. He is survived by his children: John Dufour; Kathleen Boatwright (Fresno, CA); William Dufour and wife Debi (Newport, NH); Joanne Dufour and significant other David Hoyt (Newport, NH); and Mary Richardson and husband Brent (Clovis, CA). Patrick was also a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Amy, John, Jennifer, Scott, Dawn, Heather, Mathew, and Julia, as well as great-grandchildren Carson, Hannah, Lacey, Addison, and Hudson. Patrick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Joan (Dooley) Dufour; grandson William John Dufour; son-in-law Gordon (Ed) Boatwright; his parents; and 16 siblings: Francois, Leonard, Lena, Alphee, Clara, Romeo, Noella, Leona, Claudia, Adrien Gustave, Anita, Clarence, Joseph, Cyril, Guillaume William, and Rina. Patrick had a passion for building, creating, and dancing. He built his home in Lempster, NH, where he demonstrated his unparalleled ability to fix anything—if he couldn’t repair it, it was time to let it go. He also enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, and maintaining a pristine yard. In his younger years, Patrick competed in local scramble tracks, a reflection of his love for motorcycles. He had a fondness for guns, and always worked tirelessly, instilling that same work ethic in his children. In his later years, Patrick took up guitar lessons while living in New Hampshire, showcasing his lifelong love of learning and music. Patrick is survived by one sister, Valeda Dube (Dufour). He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion.
A graveside service will be held at Saint Catherine’s Cemetery, 60 Rye Street, Broad Brook, Connecticut, on
Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:30 am. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
