Donald J. Dufresne's Obituary
Donald J. Dufresne, age 85, formerly of Haverhill, MA for the last 11 years until recently passed away peacefully after living a full life.
Before retiring Donald had worked in the Methuen school systems, Greater Lawrence Technical High School, and Phillips Academy of Andover as a groundskeeper and custodian. He took pride in his work and truly loved the energy of the school atmosphere of colleagues and students where he had gained many friends throughout the years.
Donald was always promoting fitness as he was into weightlifting and had played sports from football to baseball. However, where he truly excelled was in boxing. He was known to many as “Duffy” who had a fist of steel. He was also an avid sports fan. Donald also enjoyed the sport of horse racing at Rockingham Park and had been known to place a wager on the Kentucky Derby’s favorite. Come St. Patrick’s Day, this was one of his favorite days to enjoy with his daughter, down at the Claddagh Pub listening to the Irish music, having a pint and a laugh with dear friends, which was a tradition with his daughter for years.
Although he was a tough guy when he was younger, he had a heart of gold and loved his family immensely, especially his twin daughters and daughter, Amanda, whom he was very proud of. Donald was a story teller and had more stories than Walt Disney. If you had the pleasure of being in his presence you were bound to have a laugh with him! Those closest to him enjoyed reminiscing over his memories of growing up with his siblings, family, and friends from Howe St. in Methuen.
He was predeceased by daughter, Denise Dufresne; his brothers, Albert Dufresne, Robert Dufresne; and sisters, Lucille St. Cyr, Jacqueline McCarthy, and Joyce Dufresne.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Dawn ( Dufresne) Balsamo and her husband, Steve Balsamo; daughter, Amanda Gugliuzza and wife, Lynn Gugliuzza .He is also survived by sisters, Barbara Rodgers, Jane Higgins and her husband, Timothy; brother, Eugene Dufresne and his wife, Rody. In addition, he leaves behind his adored nieces, nephews & grandchildren.
Relatives and guests are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. His funeral service will be celebrated at 6:00 PM, immediately following calling hours in the funeral home. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dufresne Family.
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