Julien J. Dupont

TOGUS — Julien J. “Duke” Dupont, 89, a former resident of Jay, passed from this world peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at the Togus Springs Veteran’s Hospice in Togus.

Since 1996, he had made his home in Mount Vernon with his grandson Jason Beckler, his wife Karen and son Quinn.

He was born April 4, 1924, in Livermore Falls, the son of Alfred Dupont and Julia (Phillipon) Dupont. He was a 1942 graduate of Jay High School.

Julien served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a surgical technician in Central Europe during WWII. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1945. He married Dorothy Hopkins in 1946; she passed away in 2001. He began working at an early age at Deshaies Market in Chisholm. He was a sergeant for Jay Police Department for many years. He also worked at International Paper Company in the finishing department on 4 & 5 at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay, retiring in 1986.

After his retirement from the mill, he worked in the local grocery stores in Jay and Livermore Falls. He finished his career at Wal-Mart in Augusta, having proudly worked until the age of 87.

Julien was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church and Knights of Columbus. He was a life member of Lane-Dube Amvets Post #33 in Jay, having served as post commander from 1985-1990. He was elected AMVETS state commander for 1992-1993. Julien was also a life member at the Frank L. Mitchell V.F.W. Post #3335 in Jay.

He was a kind and caring man who loved his family, his community and his country.

Affectionately known as “Pepe,” Julien was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed gatherings of all kinds. His good-hearted humor, sense of fun and compassion touched all who knew him.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol Beckler of Naples and Karen Dupont-Gibbs of Belgrade; a son, John Dupont of Scarborough; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by eight brothers, Armand, Emilian, Loyola, Laurier, Yvan, Dollard, Real and Richard; and his sisters, Claudette Ryder and Candid Dupont.

A Mass of Christian Burial with full military honors was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street, Jay. Interment will be in Maine Veterans Cemetery, 129 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com

If desired, contributions may be made to: Amvets Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 37, Jay, ME 04239 or Amvets Special Olympics, care of Amvets, P.O. Box 37, Jay, ME 04239 or VAVS Hospice Unit, Voluntary Services/MD 135, Attn.: Lorna Hatch, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 1 VA Center/171, Augusta, ME 04330.