Del Dufrain was the consummate teacher. He was comfortable on the football field and in the classroom. He enjoyed involvement with students and helping them succeed. He retired as head coach of the East Aurora High School football team following the 1978 season and he retired from teaching biology in 1985. Even in retirement in Wisconsin, or, in central Illinois in Morton, he returned to the annual East Aurora Football Old-Timers dinner each Fall. He passed away November 25 at the age of 92. He received accolades from many who knew his work. He was inducted into Illinois High School coaches Hall of Fame in 1984, East Aurora Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, and was named the Secondary School Educator of the Year in 1978. He arrived at East Aurora in 1961 after 10 years in the Kankakee area. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Natalie Sue, two daughters, two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Chuck Nelson was a receiver and blocking end for coach Dufrain in 1974 and 1975. “Coach was the master of the trapping offense that would rely on speed, quickness, and agility of pulling offensive guards,” Nelson said. “He was a great coach, a great teacher, and a great human being, who, like other teachers and coaches, left a life-long impression. He surrounded himself with the very best assistant coaches. I was fortunate to have Mr. Dufrain as my biology teacher.”