Albert Dauphin

CLAREMONT, N.H. -- Albert P. Dauphin, 88, of Old Coach Road died on Friday, July 7, 2006, surrounded by family.

He was born in Newport, Vt. on Dec. 9, 1917, the son of Denise Lague and Jean-Baptiste Dauphin.

He was predeceased by sisters Florence and Albertine, and brothers Clarence, Leo and John. He married his college sweetheart, Barbara M. Clark of Guilford, Vt., on June 20, 1942, at St. Michael's Church in Brattleboro, Vt.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by daughters Joan Buck of Peterborough and Jean Girard of Alstead; sons Andrew Dauphin, Robert Dauphin of Claremont and David Dauphin of Gilsum; relatives, David Buck of Peterborough, Tony Zullo and Carol Dauphin of Claremont and Bruce Murphy of Gilsum; grandchildren, Debra Livingston, Kristine Whitfield, David Mora, Michael Girard and Anthony Girard, Erica Dauphin, Lindsay Dauphin and Kassie Dauphin; and great-grandchildren, Sam Livingston, Jacob Whitfield and Nash Mora.

Mr. Dauphin spend most of his early years in Claremont and graduated from St. Mary's in 1936. He was always a popular, high-achieving student who loved music and sports.

In 1941, he graduated from Castleton Normal School and then earned his master's degree from University of Vermont in 1946. He became a strong advocate for students experiencing difficulty in a regular classroom and was a pioneer in setting up support programs that would help them.

As a leader in the field of special education in the 50s, he was instrumental in establishing the Council of Exceptional Children in Vermont and served as its president for many years. He founded the Ottaquechee School in 1957 and served as its teaching principal until 1967. During this time, he continued his education at Keene Teachers College, eventually earning another master's degree.

In 1967, he began teaching special education at the Claremont Middle School. In 1971, he became director of special education for School Administrative Unit 6, and held that position until his retirement in 1978.

He had deep roots in the Catholic Church and devoted his life to supporting programs at St. Mary's. He served as an altar boy, taught Christian Doctrine, served on the Parish Council, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and established a support group for widows and organized the St. Mary's High School Booster Club.

Combining his love of family and teaching, he joined the ranks of the Boy Scout leaders. He received the St. George Award in 1960 and a Merit Award as a lifetime educator along with many other honors. He helped develop the “Friends of Families” support group for families of handicapped individuals; he and Barbara devoted many years to this group.

A Christian Mass was held Tuesday at Old St. Mary Church in Claremont, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his life. The celebrants were the Rev. Shawn Therrien, the Rev. Paul Boucher and Richard Brown. Attendants were Mark Currier, Steve and Tom Dauphin, Mike Livingston, David Mora and Bob Whitfield. Tom Martin provided music selected by the family. Stringer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Contributions in Mr. Dauphin's memory may be sent to St. Mary's School, 18 Central St., Claremont, NH, 03743.