Joseph Paul Dufresne
WWII Veteran

Joseph Paul Dufresne, 81 of Clements, MD died on September 1, 2004 at George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C. Since 1977, he had been a resident of St. Mary’s County, MD, where he had been active in various community activities. He had served several terms as president of the St. Mary’s Antique Arts Association. He loved music of all types. Mr. Dufresne was the only child of the former Kathryn Regina Dolan and Joseph Dufresne and was born at Walter Reed Army Hospital on October 26, 1922. His father emigrated from Canada where his family had resided since 1640 when an ancestor had come from France as an Army Captain to guard the fur stations.

Mr. Dufresne is survived by his widow, Elisabeth Campbell Dufresne; survivors from his first marriage include; daughter Kathryn Jeanette Gondek and husband John, granddaughter Jennifer Story and husband Brian and Joe’s only great-grandchild Brendan Story, and grandson Matthew Gondek; daughter Alice Aglae Mickey, grandson Christopher Mickey, granddaughter Meagan Mickey; son Joseph Stevens Dufresne, grandsons Keegan Dufresne and Conlon Dufresne and granddaughter Mackenzie Dufresne; Children of his deceased daughter Victoria Ann Dufresne, grandson David Douglas and granddaughter Natallie Douglas; Step-son John W. Cox and wife Mindy; step-sister Cannie Cox, step-nieces Sallie Cox and Sandra Pruitt, and step-nephew Robert Cox.

Mr. Dufresne lived at Fort Belvoir most of his youth and after graduating from Eastern High School, he attended Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Upon graduation he entered the Army and upon completion of OCS he went to the Pacific where he was in the invasion of the Philippines during WW II. Following the end of the war he was in the occupation of Japan. Captain Dufresne was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, Commendation Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal of Japan

Upon returning to the States he attended Georgetown Law School and upon graduation started to work at Federal Trade Commission. He worked as both an investigative and trial attorney before being appointed as an Administrative Law Judge. His work there spanned the years 1948 to 1979 although they were interrupted when he was recalled for military service during the Korean War. This time he served in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lt Col. Cases Mr. Dufresne worked on as an attorney or heard as a judge ranged from: a carpet co., used auto sales, women’s make-up products, Pillsbury pizza co. acquisitions, Cocoa-Cola distribution areas, General Motors parts, and other trade regulation matters.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 10, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Wayside, Chaptico, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, Avenue, MD 20609, Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, or the National Capital Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2021 K St. N.W., Suite 715, Washington, DC 20006-1035. Burial, with full military honors, will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on October 21, 2004 at 9:00 A M Funeral arrangements are provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD.