Richard Durfee, 71, owner and operator of George's of Galilee, died on June 11th. George's of Galilee has served clam cakes, chowder, and fish & chips since 1948. Over 60 years ago, Norman Durfee, a bakery truck driver, and his wife Edna, bought "George's Lunch" (four tables and a small counter seating six). George's of Galilee is now the largest waterfront restaurant in R.I., seating almost 500 people, and is considered a landmark in the state.
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 URI's College of Business, graduating in 1967 with a degree in accounting. Employed as an accountant for Raytheon Co. in Portsmouth, 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.
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, R.I.
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.