“Roger” P. Dufresne

AUBURN – Pierre “Roger” Dufresne, 86, of Auburn, passed away peacefully, on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.

Roger was born in Lewiston on June 17, 1935, the son of Pierre Michel Dufresne and Marie Alice Gosselin. He graduated from Edward Little High School, class of ’53. During high school he became interested in printing, winning various printing awards. He worked at Lewiston’s French language newspaper, Le Messenger until joining the Army in 1954. He was discharged in 1956 due to health reasons.

Roger married Pauline T. Levasseur on June 29, 1957 at St Louis Church in Auburn. In that same year, he also started working at Geiger Brothers in the Composing Room, and 34 years later he retired as production manager.

Roger was involved in many things: Member of the U.S. Power Squadron; Served on the Board of Directors to the Maine Graphic Arts Association; 50-year member of the American Legion Post 153 of Auburn; Library Volunteer; Member of the New Auburn Senior Citizens, and a serving officer – Vice President of the Maine Franco American Genealogy Society. Genealogy was his passion in retirement, having completed many ancestral charts for various family members.

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Pauline T. Levasseur; his sister-in-law, Lorraine Labbe and brother-in-law, Robert Labbe.

He leaves behind his son, Michael R. Dufresne of Boston, his daughter, Suzanne D. McLellan (partner Thaddeus J. Jala Jr.) of Windham; grandchildren Joshua Lee McLellan (Dawn Kimball) of Norway, Jessica Maude McLellan (Nick Spadacinni) of S. Burlington, Vt., Jake Dufresne McLellan (godchild, wife Ashley) of Raymond, and Jarrod Bryce McLellan (wife Heather) of Morrison, Colo.; great-granddaughter, Hazel Almathea McLellan of Raymond. He also leaves behind his nephews and nieces and their families Anthony Labbe of Lewiston, Linda Leighton (godchild) of New Gloucester, Sandra Nadeau of Sabattus, and James Labbe of Waterville.

Roger loved to go camping and boating on the lake with his family. He especially enjoyed the traditional lobster/steak feast at camp, and sitting on the beach with a good book. That is where you would find “Jolly Roger” in the summer. He loved attending any of his grandchildren’s events, whether athletic or not, and was especially pleased to see his great granddaughter before he passed.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, August 9, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Albert and Burpee Funeral Home, 253 Pine St., Lewiston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn. Services will conclude with committal prayers and military honors at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.albert-burpee.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to:

Maine Franco American Genealogy Society,

217 Turner St.,

Auburn ME 04210.