Very Reverend Wilfrid J. Dufault, A.A., AP’25, ’29, passed away on February 24, 2004.

Assumption College Mourns the Loss of Very Reverend Wilfrid J. Dufault, A.A.

February, 2004—Assumption College mourns the loss of Very Reverend Wilfrid J. Dufault, A.A., AP’25, ’29, Assumption College Chancellor Emeritus and honorary Board of Trustee member. Fr. Dufault died on February 24, 2004, on the 70th anniversary of his ordination.

“Fr. Wifrid was a tremendous senior mentor to so many of us here at Assumption College and among his Assumptionist fathers and brothers,” stated President Tom Plough. “While his death is a great loss, we celebrate the many gifts that he brought to so many lives.”

Born in Spencer, Mass, on December 11, 1907, Fr. Wilfrid began his more than 80-year affiliation with Assumption when he entered Assumption Prep in 1922, graduating in 1925. He continued his studies at the College, graduating in 1929. He joined the Augustinians of the Assumption that year, completing his Novitiate in Quebec in 1930. He took his Perpetual vows in 1933 and was ordained in Rome on February 24, 1934, having completed his Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Institute “Angelicum” in Rome. From 1937-40, he continued his studies at Laval University, Quebec, in the School of Philosophy.

Fr. Wilfrid served Assumption College and the Augustinians of the Assumption in countless leadership capacities. At the College, he served as Professor of Philosophy (1934-37, 1940-46), President (1946-47), Acting President (1971-72, 1977-78), Chancellor (1979-2003) and as a member of the Board of Trustee (1970-83, 1987-2003). He was named Chancellor Emeritus and an Honorary Board of Trustee member in October 2003.

His leadership as an Assumptionist was recognized early on as well, serving as Provincial Superior of the North American Province (1947-52) and as Superior General (1952-69). During those years, he served as a member of Vatican II (1962-65).
Fr. Wilfrid was the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Rivier College, Anna Maria College as well as from Assumption College. He was also recognized with the French Legion d’Honneur, Officier French Ordre National du Mérite, Commandeur French Ordre National du Mérite, Lafayette Award from Worcester’s Harmony Club and the Assumption Prep School Alumni Hall of Fame Award.

President Emeritus Joseph P. Hagan also offered his comments. “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Fr. Wilfrid Dufault. He was a great priest, a great friend and a great human being. He will be greatly missed.”

Fr. Wilfrid’s funeral will be held at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption College on Saturday (February 28) at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be at the Morin J. Henri & Son Funeral Home, 23 Maple St., Spencer from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday and at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption College from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assumptionists' Retirement Fund, 330 Market St., Brighton. The Dirsa-Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.