Joseph E. Dufour Jr., 70 of Portland passed at 75 State St. on December 11, 2018. Joe, Joey only to his family, left this world with his sense of humor and playfulness still intact. One of Joe’s nurses said he was amazed at this given the severity of the situation yet he remained humorous and respectful. Joseph joins his parents Joseph Sr and Lauretta (O’Brion) Dufour. He graduated from Portland High School in 1966.
One of his proudest accomplishments was graduating from SMVTI Culinary School. Boy could he cook. He worked as a sous chef at several locations in the Portland area.
Joe’s religious beliefs always ingrained as a deep part of him through his whole life as was proven when he would ask his caregivers to prayer with and for him.
Of course as a true Mainer, he was an avid Red Sox and Patriots Fan. His sport of choice however was playing the Lottery on occasion. He never won big always just a little it was the anticipatory high that it gave, big dreams, and great smiles to Joeys face.
Joe really had the classic proverbial heart of gold. He was a genuine caretaker. He lived with and took care our parents for 50 years. His lifelong epilepsy prevented him from living alone. When mom and dad had to move. Joe summoned up latent courage to move also.
When mom had to go to another facility for care Joe chose to move with her and resumed his caretaking roll and was reunited with her once again so he could take care of her. He was a Godsend to us for doing that.
We would like to give many thanks to the staff at 75 State St. for their role in helping Joe. Also The VNA Hospice Staff Especially Ashley and Jana. You were invaluable to Joe and to us during this emotional transitional time. Your jobs are difficult but you handle them with such care and compassion. Thank you Jana for praying with Joey when he asked. There are not enough words to thank you.
Joe is survived by his sisters Linda Dufour and her wife Theresa Huck, Irene Dufour and her wife Christine Hersey, his Special Auntie, Carolyn O’Brion Fuller.
Family and friends may call Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 4-7 PM at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME 04103. A Celebration of Joey’s Life will be conducted at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME 04103 on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11am. Honoring Joey’s wishes, interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations to American Cancer Society Relay for Life- Huck’s Hero Team, or the charity of your choice.
