Homepage
Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home Inc.
On-Site Crematory
Richboro: (215) 968-8585
New Britain: (215) 340-9654
Email Obituaries Email

Francis Joseph Dufner

Updated Funeral Service Information:

 

Francis Joseph Dufner was a man whose loyalties lay with God, Country, Notre Dame — and his large, loving family legacy, above all.

Born July 29, 1923 in Philadelphia, Frank died peacefully on May 12, 2020 at Layfette Redeemer. He was the beloved husband of 43 years to Gail Thomas Dufner, son of the late Frank A. and Helen Bradley Dufner, brother of the late Daniel, Helen, and Mary Dufner and step-grandfather of the late John Seagrave.

After graduating from the iconic Northeast Catholic High School in 1941, Frank enlisted in the Navy for three years, extremely proud to have the chance to serve his country during WWII.

Later, he went to work as a rate analyst for the Pennsylvania Railroad during the heyday of rail travel in the U.S., working tirelessly for four decades before retiring. Even then he continued to expend his energy through community service, always eager to assist in his easygoing and compassionate manner.

Known for his incredible memory, he impressed everyone with his ability to recall faces, names, historical events, and places he’d visited throughout his life. A master conversationalist, he could wax poetic on a seemingly endless number of topics. “Sharp as a tack,” people used to say, up until the very end.

He shared his passion for travel as a tour guide, taking church groups and school children on bus trips to places like Washington D.C., New York City, Cape Cod, Maine, Canada and Florida.

As a loyal lifelong fan of both the Philadelphia Eagles and Notre Dame football, he bled green and blue and gold. Rooting for the Fighting Irish at the national championship in Miami in 2013 was one of the highlights of his later years, as was his visit to campus for the Notre Dame/Navy football game in 2007.

A pillar of the community, Frank held leadership roles throughout his life. He was a Boy Scout leader, past president and member of the Father Judge High School Father’s Association, and a member of organizations including the Father Judge 12th Man Club, the Northeast Catholic High School Alumni Association, the Naval Air Station Museum, and the Guardians of the National Cemetery.

As a member of the William D. Oxley Post 133 American Legion for 74 years, he received an award for an impressive 60 years of service.

Frank adored the beach and the ocean and held fond memories of years spent on the South Jersey shore with family and friends. Come summer, you could find him on the Dufner family fishing trips, chartered out of Cape May, NJ, or taking the kids out on legendary deep sea adventures from nearby Two Mile Landing.

Give him a glass of wine and a sunny day, and the man was in his element, telling tales of his past and bestowing his winning smile on everyone. A beacon of good cheer, he enjoyed life, always living it to the fullest.

He loved to sing, and his favorite song was Maria Elena. On special occasions, he’d tuck a silk handkerchief in his breast pocket — just like Frank Sinatra. One such occasion was his 90th birthday celebration in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland, where he joined the musicians on stage at Comefords’ Pub and sang his heart out. 

Above all else, Frank was eternally proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and their many accomplishments. He passed away at the age of 96, and will be forever remembered as the kind and gentle patriarch of a robust familial legacy.

In addition to his beloved wife, Frank is survived by his: children Francis X. and his wife Barbara, Daniel G. and his wife Joan, Michael P. and his wife Denise, Regina Marek and her partner Kevin Van Valkenburgh; stepchildren Denise Muldoon and her husband Barry, and Marilyn Seagrave; grandchildren Matthew and his wife Lynn, Elaine Wunder and her husband Glenn, Daniel G. Jr. and his wife Nancy, Alison, Christine Newman and her husband Thomas, Edward and his wife Tracy, Thomas and his wife Kristen, Andrew, Elizabeth, Amy, Michael Patrick and his wife Hadley, Lauren Hart and her husband Tim, Kristofor and his wife Danielle, Catherine McIlhinney and her husband John, Colleen Middleton and her husband Dan, and Charles; step-grandchildren Thomas Muldoon and his wife Susan, Ross Muldoon and his wife Kimberly, Kevin Muldoon and his wife Regina, Luke, and Christian; and great-grandchildren Nora, Bethany, Maggie, Kayla, Avery, Holly, Kathleen, Emily, Daniel III, Caroline, Jane, John Francis, Thomas, Timothy, Benjamin, Fiona, Mary, Ryan, Evan, Colin, Matthew, Meghan, Meredith, Michael, Luke, Betsy, Kean, Braedon, Seamus, Casey, Charlotte, Jackson, Erin, Shane, Owen; and step-great-grandchildren Chloe, Aiden, Charlotte, Reese, Isabella, Finnegan, and Luke; and sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Howard Ferguson.

On Monday, October 25, 2021, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Jarvis/Schretzman 12th Man Club. Checks should be made out to Friends of Father Judge. On the memo line please note 12th Man Club. Send to: Father Judge 12th Man Club C/O Michael Dufner, 133 Dory Drive, Ocean City, NJ, 08226.

Send Flowers And Gifts

Service/Memorial Information
  • Funeral Service

    Monday, October 25th, 2021
    11:00 AM

    St. Bede The Venerable Church
    1071 Holland Road
    Holland, PA 18966

  • Cemetery

    Monday, October 25th, 2021

    Washington Crossing National Cemetery
    830 Highland Road
    Newtown, PA 18940

Certified Life Celebrants help create a funeral service, memorial service, or tribute that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the deceased. The celebrant personalizes all services by working with the family and loved ones.
CANA An international, non-profit trade association of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, that create a community of cremation experts.
Supports the funeral service industry by funding scholarships and educational opportunities for professionals and invests in programs that lift up grieving communities.
Offers hundreds of events and programs each year to boost businesses and support leaders for incredible success by offering a wealth of diverse committees, networking and social events, and award programs.
The world’s leading association to support funeral professionals. Provides members with critical information, innovative tools, resources and the professional community they need to serve families, run sustainable businesses and become pillars in their communities.
Offers services that preserve, protect and promote independent family owned funeral homes in Pennsylvania. Provides advocacy, continuing education, information, legal expertise, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.