Alfred "Al" P. Dufour

Alfred Paul Dufour, a brilliant and dedicated career scientist who served with the Environmental Protection Agency for 64 years in Rhode Island and Cincinnati, died at Good Samaritan Hospital on March 2, 2026 at the age of 92, following a very brief illness. Al was born in 1933 in Escanaba, Michigan, the son of Howard Eli Dufour and Leona Peltier Dufour.

He earned degrees from Yale University (MPH), the University of Rhode Island (Ph.D) and Northern Michigan University. (B.A.).

He was predeceased by his wife, of 54 years Maureen Kelly Dufour in 2018. He was also predeceased by his infant daughter Elise in 1972, and sons Todd and Matthew.

Al is survived by his son and best friend Jonathan and sister Maxine Cloutier and numerous nieces and nephews and in laws.

Al was a dedicated public servant who found fulfillment and purpose in his career. His earlier interests and pursuits outside of “the lab” included skiing with the RI Ski Patrol, sailing on his beloved sloop Sacagawea, carpentry and cabinetry (furnished their first home in RI. He was a dedicated fan of British television and Hercule Poirot, a patron of good German restaurants, where he enjoyed rouladen and dark German beer. Al was politically astute and read the NYT daily, cover to cover. In the 1970s, Al and a group of four fellow research scientists built five Point Jude sailboats at his home in Wakefield. It was a proud day when they were launched.

As a prominent microbiologist, Al travelled internationally, speaking at conferences and lending his expertise to further his mission in improving and protecting water quality. Among his accomplishments, his work formed the basis for modern EPA water quality criteria for beaches and recreational areas.

He is the recipient of many awards and the author and co-author of many published articles and studies. We can be grateful for his professional contributions and his positive presence lives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Thursday, March 12th at 10:30 am where friends may visit from 9:30 am until time of Mass.