Obituary of Gene Edward Dufresne

Gene Edward Dufresne, age 63, a longtime Frankfort resident, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, October 17, 2022, in the privacy and comfort of his home with his beloved, Mary Chard, at his side. Born on March 8, 1959, Gene is the son of Eugene D. and Joan B. (Dunn) Dufresne. He was a graduate of Mount Markham Schools. At one time, Gene was married to the former Carol Nicolette, a relationship from which came the blessings of two children. For the past thirty-five years, Gene has shared in a relationship with Mary Chard. The two were a united couple who always had each other’s best interest at heart and they worked hard to unite their blended families. At one time, Gene was employed with the Union Fork & Hoe, Remington Arms and with General Electric in Utica as a machinist. He was a self-taught carpenter who made his living throughout the years in the construction industry. In his spare time, Gene enjoyed hunting, playing cards, horseshoes, NASCAR, cookouts and gathering together with his friends and family. He was a gentle giant who was a friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him and his legacy will forever live on through the ones he leaves behind. He is survived by his beloved companion, Mary Chard; by his parents, Eugene and Joan of Cocoa, Florida; by his children, Eugene Dufresne and Ashley Dandrea and Alysia Dufresne and Mark Neff, all of Frankfort; and Dominick and Jennifer Chard and Kerri and Eugene Brownrigg, all of Ilion; and his grandchildren, Makenna and Xavier Dufresne, Camden and Austen Dandrea, Robbie and Angelina Ferguson and Seth and Landon Brownrigg. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, David and Judy Dufresne of New Berlin, NY; his mother-in-law, Patricia Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, and his many friends at the Frankfort American Legion. He was predeceased by his brother Keith Dufresne. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours for Gene on Thursday evening, October 20, 2022 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Gene’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:00PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Gene’s family has entrusted his final wishes to the Enea, Ciaccia and Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.