GRISWOLD, Conn. — John Donat DuBois, Sept. 20, 1961 – Dec. 16, 2017, age 56. On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, “JD” took his last ride on his snowmobile near his home in Griswold, Connecticut.

John was born in Sanford, Maine on Sept. 20, 1961.  He was the youngest of five children born to Theresa O. (Leroux) and Donald P. DuBois.  A work transfer from General Dynamics for Donald, brought the family to Connecticut.  The ‘great outdoors’ of Maine however, was never far from John’s heart.

John received his diploma from Norwich Regional Vocational-Technical School in 1980 after successfully completing the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program.  He went on to own and operate a high-volume distributorship for Seven-Up, Inc for over 10 years. John began his career in gaming with Foxwoods Casino then moved on with the grand opening of Mohegan Sun Casino, as a “Day Oner” and continued with Mohegan Sun for over 20 years on Grave Shift.  Although gaming was not his first career choice, he met so many great friends at work.

On Dec. 13, 1993, John and his former wife, Kari Slattberg of Colchester, Connecticut, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jacqueline Rose DuBois, his “little JD.”

Recently, on Nov. 7, 2017, John received a gift he could treasure as much as his daughter. John became pépére to his precious grandson, Bennett.  In the month before his death, John was so excited to be able to spend time with his daughter and grandson.

“JD” was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved anything that got him outside and enjoying the environment.  One of his most treasured possessions was the fly-fishing and ice-fishing equipment that was his (late) father, Donald’s.  He would open the boxes reverently each time and speak admiringly about the hand-tied, fly fishing lures that were made by his (late) father and his pépére. John appreciated the effort and craftsmanship that was put into how things were made.

Great memories were made with friends at the Bozrah and Sprague Rod and Gun Clubs and of course even a bad day on the golf course was still a good day with friends. Many have commented that “Johnny has all the toys” and the best part was, he loved to share.  “Do It!” He’d say.  He wholeheartedly enjoyed when he could take someone four-wheeling, snowmobiling, golfing, hunting, fishing, water-skiing, or tubing.  His niece, Erin, has hilarious memories of the family during “the summer of the hot-dog tube”.  John’s Nephew, Trevor, fondly recalls his “Uncle John” as amazing at the slow circle. John loved to make you laugh and he loved to entertain.  He wanted everyone to get the most joy out of each day.  If you had a bad day, he could get you to laugh about it. 

For as much joie de vivre as John had, he also made sure to pray.  He prayed with his daughter to help her learn prayers during her religious education at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich and he was blessed to be the God-father of his niece, Alexandra Downey. When recounting stories of his youth, he always stated lovingly, and emphatically, that “my mother is a Saint”. None will argue that.

John worked hard for what he had, and he played harder; he was frugal but would be the first to help out and the last to ask for it.  He was a straight-up guy that refused to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.  What you saw was what you got.  For many, you got a great friend and he loved you tremendously.  A few very special ladies were close to his heart.

John was preceded in death by his father, Donald P. DuBois.  He is survived by his mother, Theresa (Leroux) DuBois of Sandford, Maine, his daughter, Jacqueline R. DuBois and Andrew Harrison, and his grandson, Bennett, all of Griswold, Connecticut; brother, Steve DuBois and his wife Jean DuBois of Sonoma, California; his sister Debbie (DuBois) Powers of Ogunquit, Maine; his sister Donna DuBois-Miller of York, Maine; his sister Mona (DuBois) Downey and her husband James Downey of Cheshire, Connecticut; his beloved nephews and nieces: Steven DuBois, Lesley (DuBois) Quinlan, Kyle Powers, Erin (Powers) Heigelmann, Trevor Powers, Courtney Powers, Wesley Miller, William Miller, Mariah Downey and Alexandra “Ali” Downey.

The family sincerely thanks the First Responders who risked their lives to help.

A “Celebration of Life” Gathering is being held Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Sprague Rod & Gun Club, 90 Bushnell Hollow Road, Sprague, CT.  All are welcome.

A Facebook Group has been created with the heading, “In Memory of John D. DuBois.” Please feel welcome to join.  More information and Event Postings are available there.