Capt Robert Thomas Dufort M.D.

1938 - 2024

Brooklyn - With heavy hearts, the Dufort family announces the passing of Captain Robert Thomas Dufort M.D. Dec. 31, 2024. Robert was born June 4, 1938, to Robert Dufort and Collette (Zimmerman) Dufort and went on to lead an event-filled and impactful life.

Robert grew up in Kenmore, New York and spent his summers on the shores of Lake Erie in Southern Ontario, Canada. He has one sibling, Joan Dufort of Leroy, N.Y. During his youth he developed what became lifelong passions for sailing, hunting, chess, and perhaps most beloved, private aviation. It was also during his childhood that Robert developed his lifelong faith in the Lord that guided him to a life of service to others. Robert attended Georgetown University where he completed pre-med degree and then medical school. While completing his education Robert met the love of his life, Mary Joan (Smith) Dufort whom he wed May 3, 1963, and to whom he was devoted until her passing Sept. 4, 2023.

A Patriot, Robert joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and began his medical career as Senior Medical Officer in Kodiak, Alaska while simultaneously expanding his family. Robert's next stop was private medical practice in Killingly from 1970 through 1981. During this time he ran a busy private practice and served as Chief OB-GYN at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. For many folks born in the area during that period, it was he who facilitated their start to life! Robert returned to the Navy in 1981 and was initially stationed at Newport, R.I. and later at San Diego, Calif. During his second stint in the service Robert served his country all over the world, most notably humanitarian support tours in Haiti, military actions in Lebanon and as the Medical Chief in the First Marine Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq. Attaining the rank of Captain and earning awards and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Star.

While Robert took great pride in his service to his country and community, he was most proud of and devoted to his wife and family. Robert leaves behind four children, Patricia Ng (Michael), Thomas Dufort (Christine), Stephen Dufort (Cathy), and Catherine Kuiper (Jason). Robert also served as a beloved "Pa" to his six grandchildren upon whom he doted.

Robert was a man who held himself to a high standard of expectation but was also humble enough to admit his mistakes and was always an excellent role model for citizenship, service to others, and the importance of faith and family. He will be greatly missed by many, while the positive impact of his life's work will remain.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Robert's family from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Doughtery Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Rd, Plainfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at St John the Apostle Church, 10 Railroad Ave, Plainfield. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery, Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots or your local pet shelter. For memorial guestbook, please visit www.DoughertyBrosFuneralHome.com