Roland F. Dufresne

Roland Dufresne of Westerly RI, passed away peacefully at home on May 3rd, 2026 at the age of 72. He was born on April 24th, 1954 in Woonsocket RI. He was the son of the late Leo and Claire Dufresne. He was the loving and devoted husband of Dianne Dufresne; they were married in 1984 and together for 42 years. They met in Cranston while working together as Nurses. Roland worked as a Registered Nurse for many years and held various positions. His proudest position was held as a nurse anesthetist. He was able to bring his humor into his career which helped lighten an otherwise tense profession at times. His coworkers and friends loved to share stories of his antics. Before his retirement he worked for Highland Memorial Park cemetery and enjoyed helping people navigate a challenging time in their lives as a grief counselor. He loved to have a good time and always wanted to make sure everyone around him was also. He played hockey in high school at Mount St. Charles and for some time at Harvard as a goaltender. His love of hockey spilled over to his family as he loved to play with his sons and daughters. Never missing a Stanley cup regardless of who was playing, though he loved the Montreal Canadians. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He never left home without his big blue tackle box with lures for every occasion. He spent many summers in New Hampshire camping near Franconia Notch with his family. He also loved all things horror movies, from the good, the bad and just the plain ugly. He was also an avid fan of music and concerts, if you ever walked into his home you would know. As he had tons of records, CDs, and a playlist that never seemed to end. He loved animals and had many over his lifetime. He was exceptionally fond of aquariums and was a devoted collector of unique fish. He loved the holidays and getting together, giving gifts and bringing joy. Perhaps, that is why he always kept his white beard. Roland will always be remembered for his remarkable humor, polite demeanor, caring nature, and one-of-a-kind personality. He was a devoted father to his four children and grandfather to his five grandchildren. Roland is survived by his loving wife Dianne Dufresne, His eldest daughter Avril Dufresne, Son Jacques Dufresne and wife Jody, Son Christopher Dufresne and wife Jaimie, and youngest daughter Jennifer Dufresne. He is also survived by his sister Reinette Remillard and her husband Andre. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Isaac, Valentino, Theodore, Ethan and Wesley. He has requested a celebration of life in lieu of a funeral, to be celebrated at a later date.

Roland F. Dufresne

May 3, 2026