Obituary: Francis X. Dupuis
Francis X. Dupuis of Dupuis Energy, and a former president of the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island, died at his home in Lincoln, R.I. He was 86. His death, on July 4, was announced by Roberta Fagan, assistant executive director of the Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island, the present-day name of the Oil Heat Institute of R.I.
Dupuis grew up in Pawtucket. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass. After high school, he attended Fordham University in New York and then completed his education at Bryant College in Providence, where he received a degree in business. He went on to work for the business that had been started by his grandfather in Pawtucket in 1898, known in 1970 as the Dupuis Oil Company. He was co-owner of the company with his brother, Ernie, from 1970 to 1988, when he became sole owner until retirement in 1999. He served as president of the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island from 1991 to 1993 and was inducted into the Institute’s Hall of Fame in 1999.
His wife of 58 years, Barbara (Stromberg) Dupuis died in 2015. He cherished spending time at his summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. He also enjoyed exploring with his family, taking cruises, sunset charters in Cabo and frequent visits to the Berkshires, the Carolinas and Georgia, and the U.K.
He had a lifelong interest in thoroughbred racing and for years was involved with a group of friends who traveled to Saratoga, N.Y., for the racing season. A highlight for the group was owning a beloved horse named Oscar Winner. On the first Saturday in May, friends and family knew exactly where to find him.
He is survived by six children and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Ernest Dupuis of Rehoboth, Mass., and Edward Dupuis of Pawtucket, along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Frank Dupuis’ memory to Horse Play Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, R.I. 02874.
