2006, surrounded by family. He was born in Newport, Vermont on December 9,
1917, the son of Denise Lague and Jean-Baptiste Dauphin.
He was predeceased by sisters Florence and Albertine and brothers Clarence,
Leo and John. He married his college sweetheart Barbara M. Clark of
Guilford, Vermont, June 20, 1942 at St. Michael's Church in Brattleboro, VT.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by daughters Joan Buck
of Peterborough and Jean Girard of Alstead; sons Andrew Dauphin and Robert
Dauphin of Claremont; and David Dauphin of Gilsum. Other family members
include David Buck of Peterborough, Tony Zullo and Carol Dauphin of
Claremont; and Bruce Murphy of Gilsum.
He is also survived by grandchildren Debra Livingston, Kristine Whitfield,
David Mora, Michael Girard and Anthony Girard; Erica Dauphin, Lindsay
Dauphin, and Kassie Dauphin. Great grandchildren include Sam Livingston,
Jacob Whitfield and Nash Mora.
Albert spend most of his early years in Claremont and graduated from St.
Mary's in 1936. He was always a popular, high-achieving student who loved
music and sports. In 1941 he graduated from Castleton Normal School and
then earned his M.Ed. from UVM in 1946. He became a strong advocate for
students experiencing difficulty in a regular classroom and was a pioneer in
setting up support programs that would help them.
As a leader in the field of Special Education in the 50's, he was
instrumental in establishing the Council of Exceptional Children in VT and
served as its president for many years. He founded the Ottaquechee School
in 1957 and served as its teaching principal until 1967. During this time
he continued his education at Keene Teachers College eventually earning
another Masters' Degree. In 1967 he began teaching Special Education at the
Claremont Middle School. In 1971 he became Director of Special Education
for School Administrative Unit 6, and held that position until his
retirement in 1978.
He had deep roots in the Catholic Church and devoted his life to supporting
programs at St. Mary's. He served as an altar boy, taught Christian
Doctrine, served on the Parish Council, was an active member of the Knights
of Columbus, established a support group for widows and organized the St.
Mary's High School Booster Club.
Combining his love of family and teaching, he joined the ranks of the Boy
Scout leaders. He received the St. George Award in 1960 and a Merit Award
as a lifetime educator along with many other honors. He helped develop the
"Friends of Families" support group for families of handicapped individuals;
he and Barbara devoted many years to this group.
A Christian Mass was held Tuesday afternoon at Old St. Mary Church in
Claremont, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his life. The
celebrants were Very Rev. Shawn Therrien V.F., Deacon Rev. Paul Boucher,
Sacristan Richard Brown. Other participants included Erica, Lindsay, and
Kassie Dauphin, Debra Livingston, Kristine Whitfield, Ann Chalifour and
David Buck. Attendants were Mark Currier, Steve and Tom Dauphin, Mike
Livingston, David Mora and Bob Whitfield. Tom Martin provided music selected
by the family. Stringer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to St. Mary's School, 18 Central
St., Claremont, NH 03743.