Joseph H. “Whiz” Dufoe, 90, of Hudson and formerly of Nashua, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, April 27, 2017 at the Willow Manor nursing home in Lowell, MA after a period of declining health.
Born in Nashua on April 30, 1926, he was the eldest of eight children of the late Henry Joseph and Irene (Robbins) Dufoe. Educated in local schools, Joe attended Nashua High School and enlisted in the US Navy on July 22, 1943 at the age of 18. He served aboard the USS LST 511 (Landing Ship Tank) during World War II and participated in several allied war engagements including the disastrous Operation Tiger and the storming of Omaha Beach at Normandy, France (D-Day) June 6, 1944. Mr. Dufoe was honorably discharged on December 2, 1945 and held the rank of Seaman First Class.
After the war, Joe worked as a sales representative for Nashua Corporation and then with AT& T (American Telephone & Telegraph) in California for a short time.
He returned to Nashua and established a sew and vacuum business and later founded Mr. Steam Carpet Cleaning Company, that he owned and operated for many years.
Mr. Dufoe was a life member of Nashua Lodge #720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; Club National of Nashua; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5791 of Hudson. He was an avid golfer and passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Joe was predeceased by his wife, Doris L. (Bowden) Dufoe, who passed away on May 4, 1995. They were married on July 10, 1948 and shared nearly 47 years together.
Members of his family include his beloved son, Jonathan Bowden Dufoe of Hudson; his sister, Norma Porter of Bradenton, FL, his five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Charles Dufoe, Earl and Pauline Dufoe, David Dufoe, William and Margaret Dufoe and James and Stephanie Dufoe all of Nashua; a brother-in-law, Warren Rollins of Nashua; many nieces and nephews including Kathy Barlow of Londonderry; and several cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was also predeceased by his brother, Donald Dufoe.
SERVICES: There are no calling hours. His funeral service will be held in the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday, May 9th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Plus Company, 19 Chestnut Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
