Leon G. Dupuis

GROVETON - Leon G. Dupuis, 89, formerly of 26 Main Street, died at Riverside Rest Home in Dover, NH on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from kidney disease.  Fortunately he experienced no pain from the disease. His loving wife, Milanie Dupuis predeceased him in March 2012.  They were married for 61 years.  Born and raised in Berlin, NH, his parents Philias and Leona Dupuis of Groveton predeceased Leon. He was born on December 21, 1924 in Berlin, NH. During his early life, he was an avid summer and winter outdoor enthusiast, athlete and sportsman.  He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 to fight in World War II. After marriage, he and his wife settled in Groveton where he continued working at the Groveton mill. They brought up five children in Groveton. They were active members of the St. Francis Xavier Church and active in community school activities. About 50 years ago, he was one of the principal organizers of the St. Francis Annual Penny Sale and served as the Master of Ceremony for the first few years of the event. He played ball on the Groveton softball league, was an active outdoor enthusiast; and frequently enjoyed hunting and trout and salmon fishing in Canada, Alaska and in the United States with his sons and friends. He especially enjoyed frequent rounds of golf with his sons and grandchildren, and held various golf memberships at Waumbek, Mountain View Resort and Bethlehem where he played in various membership events for seniors until he was in his early 80s.After serving in the paper industry for over 45 years, he retired from James River Corporation in December 1988 from a leadership position. He was well known for his calm demeanor, great senses for respect and humor, love of family and life, and bringing out the positive aspects of any challenge.

His greatest passions in life were traveling with his wife and family, and being with family as much as possible. He enjoyed attending all activities that his children and grandchildren participated in; always making an effort to be there in support of their endeavors. After the passing of his beloved wife, he resided with his son James and his wife Diane at their home in Barrington, NH for over a year where he was able to continue the frequent interactions and special events with family.  His daughter, Nancy, provided care during this time. In June 2013 he became a resident of the Riverside Rest Home where he received exceptional care and became known for sharing his exceptionally positive attitude about life with others from the home. Over the years and until the week prior to his passing, he frequently enjoyed playing his favorite game of cribbage and 500.

Surviving him are his son James and his wife Diane of Barrington, NH, son Daniel Leon and his wife Wanda of Ocean City, MD, daughter Nancy and her husband Gilbert Major of Andover, MA, son Gary and his wife Elena of Amherst, MA, and son Peter and his wife Julie of Milford, NH; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His brothers Ernest, Albert, Lionel and Norman, and sister Arlene predeceased him.

Visiting hours will be held at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster, NH on Friday, October 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday at 11AM. Reverend Daniel Deveau, pastor, will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.  Donations can be made to the St Francis Xavier Church, State Street, Groveton, NH 03582; National Kidney Foundation; or Dementia organizations.