Richard F. Dufresne

"Granby-With sad hearts we had to let go of our brother on November 14, 2018. Richard F. Dufresne passed away at his home in Candor, North Carolina with little warning. He was the oldest of five children of Frederick A. Dufresne and Yvette JM (Normand) Dufresne. Richard was educated at So. Hadley High School, a graduate of Rochester University (NY) and received his doctorate in organic chemistry from Carnige Mellon (PA). He also did post doctorate work at John Hopkins (MD) Brandeis (MA) and UMass Amherst. Prior to his job at Lorillard Tobacco (Greensboro, NC), Richard started an Herb and Scented Geranium business (70s). He sold his plants at the Amherst Farmers Market and thoroughly enjoyed educating the local folks, little did he know what the future held for him. The “world of salvia” had its beginning, in the warmer climate of NC. He was able to enhance his love for Salvia’s growing a business that went up and down the east coast at various festivals. Richard enjoyed his trip to Mexico and trips to California and the UK while he was active in his business. He leaves his sister, Suzanne and husband, Andrew Jekanowski of Hadley, brother, Reginald and wife, Christine of Spofford NH and two sisters, Regina and husband, Frank Kaniecki and Denise both of Granby along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday April 28th from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home with a memorial service to begin at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Juniper Level Botanical Gardens http://jlbg.org or your local animal shelter."