Edward E. Dufresne
Date of Passing:
Dufresne, Edward E., 90, of Joann Drive, Barrington, died unexpectedly on April 2, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Claire M. (Sullivan) Dufresne.
Born in Dorchester, MA, a son of the late Benjamin and Florida (Poirier) Dufresne, he lived in Barrington for the past 60 years.
Mr. Dufresne was a Teacher and Guidance Counselor for the Barrington School Department for 33 years before retiring in 1994.
Edward was a graduate of Saint Anselm College Class of 1956 and then went on to receive his Master’s Degree from Boston University.
Mr. Dufresne was a communicant of St. Luke Church. He was a member of the Rhode Island and National Teachers Associations. An avid tennis player, he was also a former Barrington High School Tennis coach.
Edward was a United States Marine Corps Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict where he served in combat in four campaigns.
Besides his wife of 60 years, he is survived by a son, John R. “Russ” Dufresne and his wife Elizabeth of Saunderstown; a sister, Doris Allard of South Kingstown; two grandchildren, Samuel G. Dufresne of Saunderstown and Abigail E. Dufresne of Providence and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Claire Radeloff, Francis Dufresne and Michael Dufresne.
His funeral will be held on Thursday April 8, 2021 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m.
Calling hours are Wednesday 4-6 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Edward’s memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor Pawtucket, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, 02860 would be deeply appreciated.
Ed’s funeral was a beautiful celebration of a devout life. It was good so many of us could gather with prayers for him and for you, Claire as you now learn to walk a new journey. It is so sad, however, that for the many years we did those funeral receptions together in the church hall, that Covid has prevented us from a final farewell luncheon for our biggest supporter (and delivery man of the table linens!). May God give you grace and peace as He has given me blessings in knowing, worshipping and volunteering with you both.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Claire. Lou and Eddie played lots of great tennis together.!
Mrs Dufresne and Russ im. So sorry to hearabout Ed .He was a great Man and helped many students like myself who struggled in school He was a good friend and Coach of tennis the game he loved May he Rest In Peace
Claire and Russ — So sorry to hear about Ed. I always enjoyed catching up with him. We always shared a good laugh. He could chuckle with the best of them.
Our sincere sympathies. May he rest in peace
Claire and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. My dad taught many years with him at Barrington Middle School and BHS (Joe Crowell) He was a wonderful man. May your memories comfort you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jane Crowell, Peter Crowell, Carolyn Muller
Russ, Liz, Sam, & Abby, this obituary is a testament to a life well lived. My deepest sympathy for this loss.
Claire and Family, I loved working with Ed at Barrington Middle School. Ed was such a person, he genuinely cared about the students and staff and he made everyday fun! He will be missed.
Uncle Ed you personified what it meant to be an uncle. You had a huge heart, a kind soul and a splendid sense of humor. Your sarcasm was second to none. You always offered support and encouragement whether it be academically or athletically and what a fine brother you were to my Mom. RIP Uncle Ed and try not to cause too much havoc with Uncle Frank up there! God Bless.
Claire, we were so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. We will miss a good friend and neighbor. He is in my prayers.
Claire and Russ so sorry to hear the news of Ed’s passing. “ Uncle Ed” as he was known to my sons growing up and Big Ed to me was and always will be family to the Sweeneys. Such a wonderful man and role model. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed Dufresne had such a huge impact on my life from Jr High School to his and Claire’s friendship with my parents. I will always remember him very fondly.
Claire. The Lord had you on my heart the other day and now I know why. Ed was like a dad to me. He gave me a job in 9th grade working for the rec department and so began our friendship. I so enjoyed the honor of spending time with you folks to work to payoff the camper. I look forward to spending lots of time with you and Ed in heaven. God-bless you. Praying for you.
“Coach”/“Mr. D” was a wonderful man and I was blessed to have been on the receiving end of his great council at BHS. Mrs. DuFresne, Russ and Liz, Sam and Abby, and Tom, my heartfelt condolences on your loss. May your memories and faith help you during this difficult time, and always.
Ed was a great High School Boys Tennis Coach at Barrington HS ,I learned a lot from him as a newbie at Cumberland HS we have a lot of great competition at our matches I will miss his wisdom and approach to Coaching John Jasionowski President RIBHSTCA
My condolences to the family. He was a great, caring, person. I had him as my councelor iin the early 60-‘s, he was so good to me!
So sorry for your loss, he was a truly special man!
He was our dear friend for so many years.
We will miss him and never forget him.
My Deepest condollances to Mr DuFresne, I had him for a teacher and he was so nice.
With deepest condolences, so sorry to hear about your loss, we have fond memories of him from our BHS years.
a dear man R.I.P. The Paiva Family
Helene and I are truly sorry for loss. He was a wonderful friend and great tennis partner. I will certainly miss him.
A very dear friend for so very many years…
Debbie and Alan Sinclair
So sorry for your loss. I remember him as a nice, caring and compassionate man. Condolences to his family
He was a great man that touched so many lives. He helped me as a guidance counselor and I’m for ever great-full.
A very dear friend for so very many years…
Debbie and Alan Sinclair
So sorry for your loss… Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Russ, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I was lucky enough to have met the man you held in such high esteem and immediately knew why you did. Give your mother my love and you know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you my brother.
Claire and Russ so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Kenny also sends his condolences.
Such a great man and guidance counselor. My deepest condolences to his family.
What a great man, I had so many great conversations with Mr. D
I will miss him so much…what a wonderful sense of humor.