E. Richard Durfee, Narragansett Volunteer and Owner of George's of Galilee, Dies at 71

E. Richard Durfee, 71, owner and operator of George’s of Galilee, of Narragansett, died on June 11 at his home with his family by his side.

He was the husband for 46 years of Angela T. (McGeough) Durfee. Born in Providence on Oct. 12, 1941, Durfee was the son of the late Norman Durfee and Edna (Jones) Durfee.

After graduating from South Kingstown High School in 1959, Durfee enlisted in the U.S. Army and was 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, Durfee 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. Durfee was a charter member of the Narragansett Lions Club, one of the largest Lions Clubs in the world.

On June 12 Durfee posthumously received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition for a Lion. This award is for exemplary service to the community.

Durfee 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. Durfee 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.

Durfee was a Little League coach for many years. His restaurant is the oldest sponsor of the Narragansett Little League. Durfee 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, Durfee loved traveling, swimming, skiing, windsurfing, and family gatherings. He was an avid reader and word buff, and especially loved history. Durfee 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 Durfee is survived by two daughters and a son.

Durfee's family and large network of close friends said they will miss his dry humor and quick wit.

Durfee’s calling hours will be held on 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 19 at 10 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 Durfee'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.

Find more information on Mr. Durfee's memorial page provided by Avery-Storti Funeral Home.