William Dennis Dupont Sr.

FARMINGDALE – It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William Dennis Dupont, Sr. on Jan. 17, 2025, at MaineHealth Medical Center, Portland, at the age of 81 after complications following open heart surgery with his loving family by his side.

Bill was born in Gardiner, Maine on March 22, 1943, the son of the late Louis and Clara (Carter) Dupont. He grew up attending Hallowell schools.

On June 14, 1963, Bill married the love of his life, Flora Mae Paradis in Augusta; together they shared 61 years of marriage.

Bill started his career as an automotive machinist at Hallowell & Webb in Augusta. He then progressed to his own business, Dupont Bros. Garage, with his brother, Walter, in Augusta specializing in automotive repair until the mid-1970’s. He then went to Portland Clutch in Auburn along with his brother, Walter, specializing in engine building. It was there that he developed a greater interest in building race car engines moving on to work for Dave MacMaster and later Butler & MacMaster working on some of the top names in NASCAR.

Not one to remain idle, in his retirement years he began working at Richmond Public Schools where he particularly enjoyed his interaction with the children and teaching staff. He always made himself available to be of service to any family member, neighbor, or friend in need.

On their 25th wedding anniversary, they took their first (and only) plane trip to Florida for a Caribbean cruise. This is when Bill realized flying was not his thing.

In his spare time, Bill especially loved motorcycling and he and Flora’s trips to Laconia, N.H. He also enjoyed auto racing, playing golf, scouting yard sales, playing cards with friends and family, and trips to Oxford and Foxwoods casinos. In his later years, he could be found tinkering in his workshop, garage, doing yard work, as well as learning to play the banjo.

He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Clara Dupont and brothers, Walter and Gordon.

His is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Flora Dupont of Farmingdale; two daughters, Tammy Poston and husband Dana of Portland, Theresa Taplin and significant other Rob Wilkes of Brunswick, a son, William Dupont Jr. and his wife Janet of Farmingdale; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Grace of Baton Rouge, La.; a close niece, Jenni Maschino and husband Stan of Gardiner, as well as several other nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. John Fallon and the entire cardiac team and all the nursing staff at MaineHealth Medical Center for their expertise and support. Their team went above and beyond to provide care and comfort to our family.

At his request, there will be no public visitation or services. A private burial will take place at the Hallowell Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.