Daniel John Dufour

Daniel John Dufour, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday February 15. He was born in Chicago in 1937 and his family moved to Indianapolis in 1940.

He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1955 and attended Marian College. Dan got his start in the food service business at the age of 16 and remained in the industry for 60 years. He held many managerial positions with several food and hotel chains and had part ownership of a steak house in Springfield, OH.

More recently, Dan may have been best known for his catering services specializing in Italian food in memory of his mother, Nell. Among his more notable clients were the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Fatima Retreat House. Dan also served as chef and mentor to Dufour's in Irvington, assisting his sisters Bernadette and Maria in their ownership and operations efforts.

Dan served in the Army as a reservist and supported military veterans' causes. He also contributed to St. Jude's Hospital for Children.

Dan enjoyed golfing and was a big fan of the Colts, the Chicago Cubs, and the Indianapolis 500.

He will be remembered for his kind and caring soul, his guidance and generosity, his sense of humor, his attention to detail, and his big smile.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence J. Dufour and Nell R. (nee Paul) Dufour, and his elder sister, Lenore Mahoney (Thomas). He is survived by his siblings Sussanne Sullivan (William), Richard, Donna Culotta (Joseph), Bernadette Lathrop (James), Christopher (Angela), Victoria Jenkins (Samuel), Maria, Dianne Metzler ( Larry).

Also surviving are sixteen nieces and nephews, thirty-four great nieces and nephews, and two great-great nieces. He referred to them as "his kids."

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Friday, February 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon and will be immediately followed by a funeral Mass. A Peace Meal will be served following mass at Bernadette Hall on the grounds of the church. Interment will take place on Monday, March 2 at Anderson Cemetery, Indianapolis.

One of Dan's final wishes was that no flowers be sent. He preferred that donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Envelopes for donations will be available. A live link to donate may be found under Dan's photo in the menu column.