Peter John Dufort

Peter John Dufort, beloved husband, dad, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed on to the next life on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Peter was a 25 year resident of Shawnee, Kansas.

He was born on February 23, 1958 in Plattsburgh, New York to Roger and Marlene (Fisher) Dufort. He was the fifth child of seven.

Peter was one of the kindest souls. He loved meeting new people and made friends wherever he went. He was the life of the party; always telling jokes and making people laugh. At the end, he faced his terminal illness with grace and dignity.

Peter grew up in Schenectady, New York and moved to Larchmont at age 15. He was a graduate of Mamaroneck High School and received his Bachelors of Science in Business (Summa Cum Laude) from Iona College.

Peter married Melissa (Trauger) Dufort on June 24, 1995. Together they raised two sons, Sam and Luke. Peter and Melissa’s paths first crossed at a car showroom in Connecticut. Who knew that first meeting would lead to a 29 year marriage and a life full of adventures.

Peter’s professional journey was as diverse as his interests. He worked for multiple corporations throughout his career; UPS, Fed Ex, Saturn and he ended his career at The Kansas City Star as an Advertising Executive.

Peter was a 19 year member of the Larchmont Fire Department. He served as Fire Police Captain for three terms.

Attending the World's Fair in New York was a favorite childhood memory. As a child, he delivered 450 newspapers before school started. This tenacity carried him throughout his life. He was charismatic and lit up every room he entered. He was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need and had a love for animals. He would often take injured animals to Operation Wildlife so they could be rehabilitated.

Peter enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening and spending time with his family.

Peter was a father figure to Jameson, Huntington and Alexis Trauger. He was honored and blessed to have been a part of their lives.

Peter co-invented a product with Melissa and together they received a U.S. Patent. The family plans to carry on his dream of marketing it.

He loved to travel and he traveled to Europe many times before he was married. He surprised Melissa with a three week honeymoon in Italy. Traveling was something both Peter and Melissa enjoyed and they instilled this love in their boys. They traveled to many destinations throughout their life together and met many people.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; devoted sons, Sam and Luke; caring mom, Marlene; brothers; Duke (Carol Jo), Lew ( Cindi) and Richard; sisters; Cheryl and Jill. Sister in law, Lynnelle Trauger and brother in law, Charlie (Lynette) Trauger. Nieces and nephews; Amy (Bill) Galvin, Liz Dufort (Mike Waxman), Chris (Erin) Dufort, Jameson Trauger, Huntington Trauger (Lauren Morgan), Alexis Trauger (Caleb Duff), Jeremy (Ann Louise) Dufort, Steven (Rachel) Dufort, James (Aurora) Dufort, Lilly and Abriss Hottel, Tyler Trauger and Nicole (Chad) Siderius. Numerous great nieces and nephews and his canine companion, Archie.

Peter was preceded in death by his dad, Roger, brother, Jamie, in laws, Robert and Shirley Trauger, his grandparents on both sides and his beloved bulldog, Winston.

Peter’s magnetic personality, quick wit, and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his spirit forever live on in the cherished memories we hold close to our hearts.

He will be remembered for all the love he shared with family and friends.

When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm on Saturday, April 13th, at Amos Family Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:00pm. A reception will follow the service.

Memorial donations in Peter’s name may be sent to the KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO. 64145.

Operation Wildlife, 23375 Guthrie Road, Linwood, KS 66052.

The family would like to thank KU med for their years of care and the KC Hospice House for their dedication and care at the end of his life. We would like to thank the nursing team who was with us at the end; Toni, Ashley and John. Your kindness, support and compassion will not be forgotten.

If you are unable to attend, you may click HERE to watch the livestream.