Robert E. Dufresne, "Papa" 70, of Smithfield, RI, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at home, surrounded by his loving family after a 2 ½ year courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis caused by the effects of Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
He was an amazing and devoted husband of Charlotte J. (Tanner) Dufresne for 49 years while being together for 56 years as best friends.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Edward R. and Frances A. (Pimental) Dufresne. He was a lifelong resident of Smithfield.
He was a devoted and loving Dad to Melissa L. LaVallee and her husband Michael of Smithfield, RI, Robert E. Dufresne Jr. and his wife Janet of Frisco, TX, Jeffrey M. Dufresne and his wife Kimberly of Cumberland, RI. Loving Papa of Michael R. LaVallee Jr. and Katherine M. LaVallee of Smithfield, RI, Ally N. Riddle and Emily C. Dufresne of Frisco, TX and Tanner M. Dufresne and Jeffrey M. Dufresne Jr. of Cumberland RI, also leaves many nieces and nephews. Also survived by his brother Edward R. Dufresne Jr. and his wife Janice of Glocester, RI and sister Nancy L. Gosselin and her husband Mark of Smithfield, RI.
Bob was a recipient of the Purple Heart, serving his country in Vietnam from 1966 – 1967 in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
He was employed by The Providence Journal for 33 years before retiring. He was a life member of the Georgiaville Volunteer Fire Department, serving on various committees throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was a member of the VFW Post 7272 Bellingham, MA and former member of VFW – Hobe Sound, FL Post 101302. Also a member of the Smithfield Elks Lodge.
He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson for years with his wife. He was also an avid golfer and a former member of Lincoln Country Club. He loved spending time with his family, cutting the grass and spending his winters in Florida with his wife. He will be remembered as the most generous, kind hearted and loving man.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Tuesday at 9:30am from ANDERSON-WINFIELD Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, RI. Visitation Tuesday 8:30-9:30am. In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 would be appreciated.