Robert G. Dufour, 86, husband of the late Blanche (Levasseur) Dufour, passed away at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Robert was the son of the late George and Georgianna (Fournier) Dufour. He was a lifelong resident of Salem and was a graduate of Salem schools. Robert was the husband of Blanche Dufour for 64 years, and their lives revolved around each other and their family.
Robert served in the US Army in World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium under the command of General Patton and was disabled in the line of duty. Robert was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He has also received numerous awards and commendations for his service and sacrifice. Robert suffered greatly throughout his life due to his injuries, but never regretted his service to his country. He was a proud and patriotic veteran.
Robert was a life member and Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans; he was a member of the VFW of Salem; and was active in the Salem Veterans Council. In 1975 he became the Veterans Agent for the City of Salem and took pride in assisting his fellow veterans until his retirement in 1991. In his earlier years he was an active member of St. Joseph Parish and in his later years of Ste. Anne's Parish. Robert lived his life by the motto, “For God and Country.”
Robert is predeceased by his wife, Blanche. He is survived by a son, Philip and his wife Dolores of Va., two daughters, Clare and her husband Albert Nadeau of Lynn, and Susan and her companion James Marshall of Middleton; four grandchildren, Brian Dufour and his wife Carrie of Calif., Cathie and her husband John Wisnes of Weymouth, Amie and her husband Adam Dahouz of Peabody, and Steven Nadeau and his wife Julie of N.C., and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Grace Dufour of Calif.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in the Berube and Sons Funeral Home 191 Lafayette St. (Rt 1A/114) Salem, Tuesday from 3-8 pm. A funeral Mass will be said in Ste. Anne's Church, Jefferson Avenue, Salem, Wednesday at 10:30 am followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to North Shore Feline Rescue P.O. Box 1263, Middleton, MA 01949.
