Donald Armand Dufresne

Mr. Donald A. Dufresne, 81, passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2025 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends during visiting hours at his time of passing. Donald was born on April 7, 1943 to the late Dorothy Baker Dufresne (Standish) and Exaid Ferdinand Dufresne in Bennington, VT. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, and graduated from Bennington Catholic High School in 1961. Immediately after graduation, Donald Joined the US Navy - and on June 25, 1965 he married Virginia L. Bentley, "Ginny". They remained married until her passing on February 13, 2023. Don received an honorable discharge from the US Navy and took a job at Globe Union the week it opened - and held his job there for 27 years until the day it closed down. Donald was a hard-working man, and he also knew what it was to be a son, brother, father, and devout husband. Donald took care of his wife Ginny and was there for anything she needed - from the onset of her bout with dementia, right up until the time of her passing. Donald also thoroughly enjoyed collecting rare bottles. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter - and a skilled, avid fisherman; he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his grandson Brandon. Donald especially enjoyed the ocean and fishing in Niantic, CT on his boat “The Long Island Invader” with his son Lee, and their long-time friends, Jim Preite, Jeff Millette and John M. Baker Sr. Don also enjoyed spending time with his special friend Lynn Medina Stratton; walking around the battle monument and enjoying her wonderful culinary creations. In his early years, Don loved to hunt white rabbits with his dad and their beagle "Trumper", and spent many good days at the family camp in Woodford Hollow on Prospect Mountain. In his later years, Don had a soft spot for all things living and fed his squirrels, chipmunks, and the local wild flock of various duck species and his many pets over the course of his life. Donald was known for his friendly demeanor and kind personality. He shared his knowledge of the things he loved with anyone who wanted to learn. Don was a skilled archer and one of the founding members of the Catamount Bowhunters Archery Club. Don would spend hours after work on weekends with his lifelong friend Steve Stemp - clearing the course trails and setting and maintaining targets for the outdoor archery courses in Pownal. Don had many friends and most of them would be lifelong, from the late Donny Howard to the late Mark Spencer and late David Sausville. Don is predeceased by his brother Charles (Chad) Dufresne, his parents, and many cousins, uncles, aunts, his maternal grandparents - Louis and Julia Baker, and also his paternal grandfather - Armond Dufresne. Donald is survived by his sisters Janice Senner (George) of Hinsdale, MA, and Ms. Heather Dufresne of Wilmington, NC., and his beloved son Lee Dufresne of Bennington, VT. Donald was especially proud of Lee and enjoyed every adventure they pursued together. Donald is also survived by his grandchildren whom he adored: Bandon L. Dufresne, Danielle L. Dufresne, Amber L. Dufresne, Paige Elizabeth Dufresne, and his five great-grandchildren. Donald will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Donald created wonderful memories and bonds throughout his life. A time for visitation will be held on March 12, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Mahar Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Burial with military honors will be held on April 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at Park Lawn Cemetery, located in Bennington, VT. If friends wish, they may make donations in memory of Donald to WBTN 1370 (Shires Media Partnership: 407 Harwood Hill, Bennington, VT 05201).