Wilfred L. Dube

Wilfred L. Dube entered the world on July 17, 1906, born in New York to Frank and Amanda Dube. Frank Dube, a machinist, had moved the family from an English-speaking province of Canada to New York in 1892. The 1910 census listed at least five children living at home in Schenectady, NY: Albert, Alberta, Neal, Alma, and the youngest, Wilfred. Tragically, Amanda Dube passed away before 1920. In January 1920, young Wilfred found himself in foster care, residing at 612½ Smith Avenue with John and Minnie Ryan as his foster parents.

Wilfred Dube became a notable figure in Camden's law enforcement. Although he left school after the eighth grade, he was self-educated and well-read. In 1926, not yet 21 years old, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy at Sea Girt, NJ, belonging to the twelfth graduating class with the badge number 288. After initial service in North Jersey on horseback, Trooper Dube transitioned to motorcycle duty, ultimately serving in South Jersey by 1928. During this period, stationed at the Berlin barracks, he met and married Elizabeth Pauline Von Der Tann. The April 1930 Census documented the Dubes living at 101 Chestnut Street in Audubon, NJ.

Wilfred L. Dube later served as an investigator with the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. Hired by Samuel P. Orlando in 1937, he worked under Chief of Detectives Larry Doran and his successor, James J. Mulligan. Dube eventually became Chief of Detectives, succeeding Mulligan. After retiring from the Prosecutor's Office, he established a successful guard service. In his later years, Mr. and Mrs. Dube embarked on extensive travels.

Wilfred L. Dube, last residing in Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away in October 1980. He is survived by his wife, daughter Yvonne, three grandchildren, and, as of 2005, four great-grandchildren.