John "Jay" F. Dufour

John “Jay” F. Dufour, 75, of Hooksett passed away Sunday February 25, 2024 in Winchester, MA after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Born November 7, 1948 in Nashua, Jay was the son of loving parents John & Marcella (Douphinett) Dufour.  He graduated from Nashua High School in 1966.  Jay then attended Keene State College where he met the love of his life, Nancy Mullen, whom he wed in 1971.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2021, shortly before Nancy's death in 2022.  

Jay taught social studies at Manchester Central High School for over 30 years until his retirement in 2008.    He was beloved by students and colleagues alike.  One of Jay's true passions in life was basketball.  He served as the assistant men's basketball coach, or Stan Spirou's right hand man, at Southern New Hampshire University for 33 years until he retired in 2018.  

To know Jay was to love him.  He was a kind, gentle soul, and the best listener around.  He loved sports and was an avid Sox fan.  Their 2004 World Series win was a highlight that he was thrilled to share with his children. Above all else, Jay adored his family.  Spending time with his children, grandchildren and grand-dogs made him the happiest.  He also loved to walk, fill the bird feeders and listen to The Stones and The Boss.  

Jay is survived by his daughter Martha Dunham & her husband Jeffrey of York, ME; son Matthew Dufour & his wife Sara of Stoneham, MA; grandchildren Lucas, Elin & Selene; brothers James Dufour & his wife Junjie of Lancaster, MA, Peter Dufour & his wife Leslie of San Diego, & Paul Dufour & his wife Marsha of Carlsbad, CA; sisters-in-law Susan Mullen & her wife Susan, Mary Mullen & Brenda Mullen; and many nieces & nephews.  

He was predeceased by his loving wife Nancy Dufour.  

SERVICES:  Calling hours for Jay will be Sunday March 3^rd from 3 to 6 pm at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday March 4^th at 10 am at St. Raphael’s Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester.  Committal will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 448 Donald St., Bedford.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jay’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.