Raymond A. DuFour Sr

Raymond A. DuFour Sr., 91

Rensselaer - Raymond A. DuFour Sr., 91, of St. Anthony Lane died Friday, January 17, 2014, at Samaritan Hospital Troy surrounded by his loving wife and son after a long illness.

Born in Wynantskill, he was son of the late Frank DuFour and Edna Furry DuFour and beloved husband for 65 years of Wilma J. Wendell DuFour.

He is survived by his son, Raymond A. (Patricia) DuFour Jr. and his loving grandson, Chester DuFour.

Ray graduated from Sacred Heart School, Troy, New York and attended La Salle Institute, Troy, New York, departing prior to graduation to join n the war effort. He graduated as an Aviation Machinist Mate from the Naval Air Technical Training School, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving throughout the Pacific Theatre of World War II.

With his shipmates Ray was engaged in three major battles of the Pacific, earning the Presidential Unit Citation award with two battle stars as well as the Philippine Liberation medal with one battle star. He was also awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation along with numerous other individual medals and campaign ribbons.

He was Postmaster of the Wynantskill Post Office for 30 years, retiring in 1992. Prior to that he was employed by the John A Manning Paper Co. Mount Ida Branch. He and his father built and operated Du4's Inn on the Troy-Averill Park Road in the early 50's.

Ray enjoyed memberships in many area organizations including a Life Member of the Sullivan Jones Post VFW and American Legion Post 1489. He was a former member of Toastmasters of America and enjoyed serving as toastmaster for many local organizations. He was a charter member of the Poestenkill Kiwanis Club and a former member of Kiwanis Club of Wynantskill serving on many committees and as President in 1958. Ray first joined the Wynantskill Fire Department as a Junior Member, playing in the drum and bugle corp, in April of 1936 and was currently and Exempt Fireman. He had many friends who looked forward to deer hunting and deep sea fishing.

Ray was predeceased by his brother, Frank DuFour and sister, Elinor Elligott.

At Ray's request, there will be no calling hours.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Church Pawling Avenue Troy with Rev. John Yanas, Pastor.

Interment will be Tuesday at 12:30PM at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Schuylerville, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Raymond A. DuFour, Sr. to La Salle Institute Building Fund 174 Williams Road Troy, NY 12180 or The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Boulevard Rensselaer, NY 12144.

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