Donald Anthony Dufrene

Donald Anthony Dufrene, Sr., a native of Gheens, La. And a lifelong resident of Gretna, LA. was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 3, 2011, age 76. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Hilda Cardon Dufrene. Loving father of Donald Dufrene, Jr. (Paulette), Cathy Weinberg (Donald), Tommy Dufrene, Penny Banks (Murphy), Jane Torres (Derek), and Joan Beirs (Troy, Sr.). Beloved and adoring grandfather of Christy Murphy (Ray), Adam Dufrene (Amanda), Amy and Bill Weinberg, Heather Dufrene, Kasie and Korey Banks, Evan Cuccia, Troy, Jr. and Riley Beirs, and preceded in death by Donald Dufrene, III.Brother of Vera Acosta (Calvin), Jenny Camardelle (Landry) and Gail Guidry (Norman) and Brother-in-law of Fran Dufrene. Also survived by 8 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, relatives, friends and by many special children who knew him as “PawPaw”. He is preceded in death by his devoted parents Justy and Lorena Dufrene and brothers Aubrey (Delores) and Arnold Dufrene. Donald retired from Avondale Shipyards after 42 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8615, The Very Rev. T. J. Larkin General Assembly Fourth Degree, and St. Cletus Church Parish where he was honored to receive The Order of St. Louis Award from the Archdiocese of New Orleans for his many years of dedication. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Canon Hospice for the loving and compassionate care received during this difficult time. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 6 PM to 10 PM. Visitation will resume on Thursday at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 3600 Claire Avenue in Gretna from 10 AM to 12 Noon. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment will take place at Hook and Ladder Cemetery in Gretna. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com.