E. Richard Durfee

DURFEE, E. RICHARD 71, owner and operator of George's of Galilee, of Narragansett passed away on June 11 at home with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband for 46 years of Angela T. (McGeough) Durfee. Born in Providence, October 12, 1941, he was the son of the late Norman Durfee and Edna (Jones) Durfee. After graduating from South Kingstown High School in 1959, he enlisted in the US Army based in West Berlin. As an MP for three years, he witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Following his tour of duty, he enrolled in the University of Rhode Island's College of Business, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Accounting. Employed as an accountant for Raytheon Co. in Portsmouth, RI, he left to take over the family business, George's of Galilee, after his father's retirement in 1969. He made George's a landmark, known throughout the world. Richard was a charter member of the Narragansett Lions Club, one of the largest Lions Clubs in the world. On June 12 Richard posthumously received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition for a Lion. This award is for exemplary service to the community. Richard was the founder of the Blessing of the Fleet 42 years ago. He was a charter member of the URI Men's Basketball Fast Break Club, a booster club for the URI Rams basketball team. Richard was responsible for bringing in some of the best basketball players that have ever played for URI. He loved supporting local sports for the children of Narragansett; he supported Pop Warner football, Bradford Trowt basketball and other local sports organizations. Richard was a Little League coach for many years. His restaurant is the oldest sponsor of the Narragansett Little League. Richard was a member of The Narragansett Bay Commission's Citizens Advisory Committee, the chairman of the Narragansett Personnel Appeal Board, a member of the Narragansett Pension Board and the Narragansett Charter Review Commission. Besides his love of the ocean, Richard loved traveling, swimming, skiing, windsurfing, and family gatherings. He was an avid reader and word buff, and especially loved history. Richard was a member of St. Peter's by-the-Sea in Narragansett. He loved having coffee in Galilee with the old-time fishermen to exchange stories. Besides his wife Richard is survived by two daughters: Erin E. Durfee of Narragansett; Kristen A. Kramer and her husband Joe of Riverside, RI; one son: Kevin R. Durfee and his wife Antonina of Narragansett; his cherished grandchildren, Carlin Durfee; Joseph and Caroline Kramer; and Aivan and Angelina Durfee. Richard was the brother of Wayne Durfee of Fort Pierce, Florida and Donald Clifford of Saunderstown, RI. He also leaves his long-time best friend, Walter Davis of Narragansett, and his cherished South Kingstown Class of 1959, numerous devoted brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many close relations and loving childhood friends. His dry humor and quick wit will be greatly missed. Richard's calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated Wednesday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 72 Central St., Narragansett. Burial with military honors will follow in RI Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to the E. Richard Durfee Scholarship fund for Narragansett High School Students, c/o George's of Galilee, 250 Sand Hill Cove Road, Narragansett, RI 02882. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.