John Dufresne, 76, entered heaven's perfect peace on January 7, 2023, at his home in Tampa, FL. John was born in Massachusetts to Alice and Wilfred "Duffy" Dufresne, who both predeceased him.

John found his one and only true love Linda in the dentist office where she worked as office manager & dental hygienist. John and Linda married on October 14, 1972, and were inseparable from that day forward to love and cherish. Many longtime friends celebrated with them at their 50 th anniversary and renewal of their wedding vows in October 2022.

After his graduation from University of Massachusetts in Amherst, John launched his professional career as a CPA and management consultant with various companies in northern New Jersey before starting his own consulting firm in 1979 and growing the firm to 30 consultants. In 1984, he had an opportunity to work for Coopers & Lybrand and moved to Bermuda, where he cultivated his love of sailing and photography. He shared
many thrilling excursions and adventures as crewman on his best friend Tommy's sailing yacht. He & Linda returned to the USA in 1989 and settled in Tampa, FL. In Tampa, John founded his consulting company, Dufresne Consulting Group that specialized in helping family-owned businesses grow and make transitions in ownership and/or leadership. He is remembered as a reflective man who considered all aspects of a situation from business and interpersonal perspectives. You could count on John to follow through with every plan making sure that all concerns were properly addressed. He recently retired to be with his beloved wife, friends, and church family at Messiah Lutheran Church.

John was not a church going man until he moved to Bermuda and promised his wife to accompany her to Peace Lutheran Church. There God touched John's heart. To his wife's pleasant surprise, John began volunteering at church. John had a new interest to learn about the spirit of the Bible and dedicated himself to serving God and others. In Tampa, John was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and more recently Messiah Lutheran Church. Elder, scripture reader, Bible study, chairperson of the public relations committee and member of pastoral call committee are some of activities John participated in. John was a friend and listening ear to many who were caregivers as he shared his experiences caring for close family members. One example of John's kindness is when his mother-in-law Helen Mueller moved into their home, he doted on her and brightened her days with good natured humor.

John enjoyed travel with Linda. A few of John's favorite destinations were wine country in Sonoma, CA, visiting his family heritage in Old Quebec City, a Mediterranean cruise with friends and an Alaskan cruise to celebrate his 70 th birthday. While traveling, he relaxed with his other hobby: photography. He enjoyed the game of chess with friends, especially Phil, and worked to improve his game.

John was active in Rotary International of Tampa. He was honored with Rotary's "Service Above Self" award which truly describes John's longtime concern for others. He served as president of Rotary from 1998 to 1999.

John is loved by many & will be dearly missed by his niece Tina Reese & husband Wayne; nephew Brian Godwin & wife Bonnie; extended family; numerous friends; professional associates & more.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Mon., February 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchinson Road, Tampa, FL 33625.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Tampa, FL, or your favorite philanthropic organization.