Lewiston – Antonio J.P. “Tony” Dufresne, 96, formerly of 156 Main St. in Auburn, passed away on Thursday evening, Feb. 14, at Russell Park Manor with family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on June 30, 1911, a son of William and Imelda (Bazinet) Dufresne. He was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of this community.

He was first married to Lula Safford in 1933, until she passed away in 1989.

He later married Dorcas Damron, who predeceased him in 1994.

He was a veteran of the military having served his country in the Army during World War II.

He worked many years in local shoe shops, first at Cushman Shoe in Auburn and later at Knapp Shoe until his retirement in 1974. He also worked seven years for the Navy Fuel Depot in Harpswell, and some years as a caretaker at Merrill Estates in South Harpswell.

While living in the Lewiston-Auburn area, he was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 115 in Sabattus, a 50-year member of Webster Lodge 164 A.F. and A.M. in Sabattus, a 60-year member and past master of Monmouth Grange 39 and the Cobbosee Grange 100 in West Gardiner.

He also served as a student representative for the Boy Scouts Pack 110 in Sabattus, he served for 20 years on the Sabattus Fire Department and 17 years with the Sabattus police reserves.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, making furniture and helping his neighbors with anything they needed.

He leaves four sisters, Delima Gagne of Auburn, Emma Baillargeon and husband, Cyrile, of Lewiston, Alice Lacombe of Lewiston and Gracia Dufresne, also of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Augustin, Rosario and Alfred Dufresne.