Jerry W DuFour

JERRY W. DUFOUR, 69, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 23, 2025 surrounded by his wife and son. Born on March 28, 1955, in Virginia Beach, VA, he was a 1974 graduate of Edgewood Senior High School where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball.
After high school he attended the Wendelstedt Major League Umpire School in Daytona Beach, FL.
In 1978, he joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It started as him following the footsteps of his Father who was a Military MP but turned into a passion that ran deep. He was awarded by his peers, District Trooper of the Year in 1993 and 1996, and Post Trooper of the Year, in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, and 1996; and in 1989 he won the Robert M. Chiarimonte Humanitarian Award. During this time, he became known for his Accident Reconstruction skills and became an "expert witness" who testified in many cases. After retirement from the Highway Patrol in 2003, he was hired to work alongside the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office investigating Accident Reconstruction and worked at the Federal Court House providing protection services.
A devoted husband and dad, he coached his son Jason's sports teams while he was growing up. Known as "Poppy" to his grandchildren, he loved to spend time with them and participate in their activities.
An avid sports fan, Jerry loved to follow all Ohio sports teams but especially the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavs and Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved to joke and was always the life of the party.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janice (nee Dinger) whom he married on June 23, 1978; two children, Erica Esposito (Aaron A.) and Jason W. DuFour (Amy nee Capitena); four cherished granddaughters, Arryon and Addyson Esposito, and Capri and Giada DuFour; his sister, Susan (Steve) Tharp and their children Ashley (Jason) Dello, Mackenzie (Jeremy) Coles, Steve (Debbie) Tharp and Jason (Kristi) Tharp and his brother-in-laws, Gary Dinger and his children, Allan (Nicole) and Jeff (Sara) Dinger, David (Abby) Long, Jonathan (Lydia) Long, and Robert Mummey and his children, Mechelle (Eric) McKee and Melanie Angle; sister-in-laws, Carolyn Heath and Cathy DuFour and her children, Megan (Aaron) Kuntz and Mark Dufour; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie; a brother George III "Hank" Dufour; Paternal grandparents, George and Jenny; Maternal grandparents, Albert and Vernie Kessler; his mother-in-law, Marion Buie (nee Dinger); fathers-in-law, Max Dinger and Robert Buie; sisters-in-law, Judy Mummey and Colleen Dinger; brothers-in-law, Terry Dinger, and Larry Heath; and a nephew Terry Heath.
Calling hours will be held from 5-7PM with a service to follow at 7PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Rev. Kenneth Roberts, Pastor of Pentecostal Church of God, will officiate.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Western Reserve for their excellent care and kindness. Contributions may be to the family. www.ducro.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry, please visit our floral store.