Mark Mathew Dufrene

On February 16, 2024, Mark Mathew Dufrene, a beloved son, devoted husband, and incredible father of three daughters, entered into eternal rest at the age of 56. He was born and raised in New Orleans, LA until he moved to Baton Rouge and earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. For the last 14 years, he, his wife and youngest daughter called Shreveport, LA home.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 37 years, Frances Todaro Dufrene; daughters, Brittany Elizabeth Dufrene Prufer (Hendrik Prufer, Clara Margarete, Ana Elisabeth, Theo Matthew Wolf ); Sarah Elizabeth Dufrene Nelms (Mikey Nelms, Margaret Rose, Scarlett James), and Audrey Clara Elizabeth Dufrene; devoted and loving parents Johnny and Trudy Dufrene, and sister Monique Dufrene Hardy (TJ Hardy, Victoria Hardy), and brothers and sisters in law, Virginia Sanderson (Terry), Vincent J. Todaro, Jr, Ruth Todaro, Charles Todaro, Sr. (Felicia), Margaret Zimmerman (Ricky) and Monica Jordan, countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who he absolutely adored, along with many more family members and friends.
  
  Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, John “Tommy” Bye and Ruth Bye and Ashton and Celestine Dufrene; in-laws, Vincent Todaro, Sr. and Clara Todaro; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Todaro; and brother-in-law, Jake Hunter.

 With a passion for sales and a love for people, he climbed the ranks in his career in the industrial pump industry. Mark’s vivacious personality allowed him to create personal relationships with everyone he met and left an everlasting impact on them with his sincerity and authenticity. Mark loved mentoring younger coworkers and he gave all of himself to his work. He cherished his colleagues at DXP and Voigt-Abernathy; many were lifelong friends.

 No matter if he was traveling, coaching, sitting around his outdoor fireplace, or going on evening walks around the neighborhood, Mark was the epitome of a family man and was happiest spending time with his wife, three daughters, son-in-laws, and his five grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke and he was the life of the party. Mark was a compassionate man with a huge heart.  If you had the opportunity to meet Mark, not only did he make you laugh, but you walked away with a friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was even happier when his LSU Tigers were winning and never missed an opportunity to chant “Geaux Tigahs Baby”!

 The family would especially like to thank Larry and Joyce Amedee, Greg and Anne Burcz, Stephen and Mary Catherine Kneip, Chuck and Alyce Labanics, Daly and Cindy McGowan, and Chris and Anita Hannie for their deep love and long-lasting friendships. He was blessed to have you in his life! 

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Louisiana State University Tiger Athletic Foundation or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  https://988lifeline.org/donate/

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

The family of Mark Mathew Dufrene request family and friends to leave their favorite memory of Mark on the online guestbook .at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.