Joseph A. Dupuis, 94, a resident of Albuquerque since 1966 was called to his eternal resting place upon passing peacefully at home on January 3, 2026. He entered this world on February 23, 1931 in Marlborough, MA, born to Emile and Angeline (Courville) Dupuis. He is survived by his son, Michael Turtora Zagardo (Janice) of Illinois; Grandchildren, Michelle Turtora Zagardo (Darrell Hoy) of Maine, David Turtora Zagardo of Illinois, and Mitchell Turtora Zagardo of Illinois; Great grandchildren, Hadley and Maren Turtora Hoy; Brother-in-law David Cain; Sister in law Barbara Harrington and many beloved nephews and nieces, and friends who had long become family. Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Marie, of 69 years, one brother, and seven sisters.

A graduate of St. Joseph High School in Quebec, Canada, in 1949, Joseph could read, write, and speak French fluently. This second language acquisitions ultimately had a major influence on his life's journey. He enlisted in the US Army in July, 1950. Upon completing basic training at Ft. Dix in New Jersey, he was soon transferred to SHAPE in Paris, France, largely because of his fluency in French. His duties included serving as an English-French translator and interpreter between Shape security officials and French police and security officials; conducting security surveys of VIP residences and routes of travel and providing personal security for the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe and members of his family. At the time, this included General Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie. Joe's security detail was directly responsible for insuring Mamie's safety while she and "Ike" were in Paris. With shorter stints in Massachusetts, Washington DC, Taiwan, Sandia Base NM, and back to Paris, he was finally transferred to southern Vietnam in 1970 where he served as Deputy Chief, Personnel Services Division, Americal Division. While there he was awarded the Bronze Star for "outstandingly meritorious achievement in support of military operations against communist aggression." The award went on to compliment his rapid assessment and problem solving abilities, sound judgment, and knowledge base. "His loyalty, diligence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

After a 21 year military career, Joseph retired from the United States Army in 1971 having achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. He completed his college degree at the University of Albuquerque, NM and was awarded a BS in Business Administration cum laude. He parlayed his college degree and prior military experience into a rewarding and successful civilian career as a comptroller for numerous financial and accounting firms as well as for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe (for which he was particularly proud).

Joe loved France, particularly Paris and he immensely enjoyed revisiting the city and country side, especially the several trips he made accompanied by his good friend, Henry South.

Joseph was a member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parrish. He valued his Catholic faith and the traits of loyalty, honesty, tenacity/grit as well as the importance of assuring individual personnel freedoms and rights necessary for every person to pursue self determination.

Joe was kind, thoughtful, gentle, gregarious, hardworking, self-sacrificing and industrious. He will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 4:00 pm at FRENCH-Wyoming, with a Rosary recited at 5:00 pm. Followed by a Mass on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church with Monsignor Voorhies, Celebrant. Internment will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa Angelica or a favorite charity of one's choice.