Earl Dufel

Earl F. Dufel, 88, of Mohawk Drive, Tribes Hill, New York, passed away Saturday morning October 26, 2013 at home.

Born in Fort Hunter, New York on January 30, 1925, he was the son of the late Henry and Mary Josephine Sleasman Dufel.

Earl was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School in Amsterdam, New York.

Earl was a United States Navy veteran of World War II serving as Sonarman Third Class from 1943 to 1945.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to area and worked for many years at Mohawk Carpet Mills in Amsterdam. He retired as an electrician from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 236 in Schenectady, New York.

Earl was a parishioner and communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Tribes Hill, New York.

He was a member and served as Past Commander of V.F.W. Post 55, and was also a member of the James T. Bergen Post # 39 American Legion, both in Amsterdam, New York.


Earl’s wife, Eleanor L. Quackenbush Dufel, to whom he was married on November 19, 1944, passed away on April 17. 2013. Earl is survived by one daughter, Earlene Melious (Andrew), and one son, Kevin Dufel (June) all of Tribes Hill, one sister,Jean Marie Rohde of Paradise, California, four grandsons, Matthew Melious, Brian Melious (Brooke) Justin, Melious (Erin) and Craig Dufel, one granddaughter, Kristina Dufel, one great grandson, Brady Melious and two great granddaughters, Madelyn and Megin Melious. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Earl was also predeceased by his son, Dennis J. Dufel, and his daughter, Kathleen Ann Dufel, one sister, Henrietta Brownell and three brothers, Raymond F., Fred W. and Robert H. Dufel

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, New York.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial gifts in Earl’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road Amsterdam, New York 12010 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010.