Robert "Bob" Joseph Dufault

Our beloved Robert “Bob” Dufault passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 30, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was 81 years old and had been a resident of Colorado Springs since 1974. Born in Winchester, Massachusetts on February 27, 1944 to Joseph Patrick Dufault and Dorothy May Hennessey Dufault, Bob was the eldest of four children and a joy for his “Nana” Hennessey.

Bob graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1961 and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. Following in the footsteps of his intrepid Aunt Lou (Louise Dufault), Bob moved to New Mexico to attend college. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned his master’s degree in 1974. Bob then accepted a teaching position in Colorado Springs School District 11 and taught Special Education to K-12 students for an incredible 30 years. While teaching, Bob chose to reenter the U.S. Armed Forces in 1983 as a reservist. He briefly left his teaching job in January 1991 when he was called up to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He returned to his former teaching position later that year. Bob served honorably for 20 years and retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in 1999. In 2004, Bob retired from teaching, having made an indelible difference in the lives of hundreds of students who were the recipients of his patient, kind, and understanding demeanor.

Shortly after Bob began his teaching career in Colorado Springs, he was introduced to elementary school teacher, Momilani “Momi” Ching, and they married in 1981. Bob and Momi raised two children, Caitlin and Jonathan, and enjoyed many memorable family vacations to Hawaii, New England, New Mexico, and various national parks. Bob was always a true New Englander at heart! He absolutely loved the Red Sox and had a real soft spot for all those classic New England treats like clam chowder, fried clams, Maine “lobstah” rolls, Vermont maple syrup, shrimp, scallops, haddock, Marshmallow Fluff, Boston cream pie, tom turkey dinners, and fresh cranberries! In retirement, Bob enjoyed quiet times at home, listening to music, reading his Yankee magazines and The Boston Globe online, sharing laughs with his family, and quoting his favorite lines from “Seinfeld.” He also enjoyed watching “Westerns,” finding as many Dufaults globally as he could track down, and snuggling with his cherished dogs, Beans and Chickpea.

Bob is survived by his wife, Momi, daughter Caitlin (Michael) of Colorado, son Jonathan of Colorado, and grandsons Jacob (11), Joshua (6), and Jesse (6). Bob is also survived by his aunt and godmother, Alma, and siblings, Joan (Jim) Haviland of South Carolina, Mark (Millie) Dufault of New Hampshire, Bill (Ellen) Dufault of New Mexico, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and nephews, Joe and Austin.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Home (501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs) on March 7, 2026 from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. Bob will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, his family respectfully requests that gifts be made in his memory to the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation (https://pikespeakhospice.org/donate-today/). We send our heartfelt appreciation to the many medical personnel and caregivers who brought dignity and serenity to Bob until the very end. Although Bob’s physical presence no longer graces our lives, his gentle spirit will continue to uplift all those who were lucky enough to know him. We love you forever.