RUMFORD — Albert J. Dupuis, 91, an avid fiddle and accordion player, formerly of Bristol, Conn., a resident of Mexico, passed away Saturday, April 16, at the Rumford Community Home, following a long illness.

He was born in Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Quebec, Canada, the 10th child in a family of 12, to Josephine (Dube) and Arthur Dupuis. Albert grew up on the family farm in Canada and went to work at age 16. He married Lucille Pepin in 1943, to whom he always thought lovingly toward, for the six wonderful children she gave him and the 44 years they had together.

He was a man who loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them, even after he lost his sight and most of his hearing.

Albert entertained anyone who wanted to hear his music on the fiddle and the accordion. He especially loved to play with the “Ole Tyme Bristol Fiddlers” and his two brothers, Wilfred and George. They competed with each other in Barre, Vt., for New England titles. Albert referred to his baby brother as “Fast Fingers Willie.”

He had many occupations during his 91 years, from helping his parents on the family farm, working in the woods, cooking in several lumber camps, construction worker, drywall taper, heavy equipment operator in Connecticut, and at Andover Wood Products.

Surviving are his children, Marc Dupuis Sr. and wife, Carleen, of Mexico, Lise Cormier and husband, Bob Kosiorak, of Homer, Alaska, Edith Cagno and husband, Joel, of Oakville, Conn., Rene Dupuis of Fargo, N.D., and Julie Albert and husband, Mark, of New Hartford, Conn.; a brother, Wilfred Dupuis of Albany, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, Marc Dupuis Jr. and wife, Andrea, Michael Dupuis, Richard Dupuis and wife, Josie, Peter Cagno and wife, Aretha, Andrew Cagno and companion, Rochelle, Patrick Cistulli and wife, Joanna, Gigi Marie Cavanaugh and husband, Joao Battaglia, Michelle Brenner, MD LT MC USN, and husband, Scott Brenner, captain U.S. Air Force, and Jeanette Cormier; and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Dr. Denise Marie Cavanaugh; four sisters, Eva, Marie Anne, Olive and Theresa; and brothers, Joseph, Alphonse, Ernest, Armand, Arthur and George.

The family would like to offer a special thank-you to the wonderful staff at Rumford Community Home and the angels at Beacon Hospice, his dear friends whom he cherished at the nursing home, and the support of all of his fiddling friends, especially all the Ole Tyme Bristol Fiddlers.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the Dupuis family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.