Walter J. Dufresne, Jr.

On a sunny April 10th and just a few days shy of his 85th�birthday, Walter Joseph Dufresne, Jr. passed away. A lifelong resident of West Springfield, Walt spent his last years at Providence Place in Holyoke. Predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Judith, he was a wonderful father to six children: Maggie Dufresne-Amatori, Walter III, Christopher, Gabrielle, Lydia Lockwood, and Jamie. He is lovingly remembered by his four grandchildren: Justin Lockwood, Emanuele Amatori, Stephanie and Alison Dufresne as well as his daughter-in-law, Clare Dufresne, and sons-in-law Franco Amatori and Jefferson Lockwood. He also leaves behind numerous cousins. Walt attended West Springfield High School and graduated from Babson College. He was a generous person and an active member of the parish of St. Thomas as well as the FORM Club in West Springfield. When not rolling his eyes over the questionable antics of his children and grandchildren, or lovingly bickering with his wife throughout the decades, Walt�s wonderfully wry perspective on life added much to conversations. His endearing habit of always inquiring what the weather was wherever his children lived or traveled will be sorely missed. He was, and always will be, deeply loved by those he leaves behind. A funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church in West Springfield at 10AM on Tuesday, April 18th, will be followed by an 11AM interment ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sisters of St Joseph Retirement Fund or Catholic Relief Services.