Ray Huntington Durfee

Middletown, - Ray Huntington Durfee, 84, of 46 Bliss Mine Road Middletown, died Monday, November 18, 2002 at John Clarke Nursing Center Middletown, RI.He was the husband of Iva Guthrie Durfee. Born in Newport, RI on September 29, 1918, he was the son of the late Julian H. and Carolyn Woolford Durfee.Mr. Durfee was a Partner with Sheffield Harvey. Mr. Durfee graduated from Rogers High School in 1936, he attended the University of Miossouri and graduated from Boston University Law School, L.L.B. in 1948 converted to J. D. Degree. He was a World War II veteran, enlisting in the United States Army in February of 1942. Mr. Durfee was 1st Lieutenant CAC AA. He was stationed at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod, where he met his wife, he was discharged in July of 1946. Mr. Durfee was a retired partner in the law firm of Sheffield and Harvey where he practiced from 1948-2002. He continued to practice from his home until his recent illness. Mr. Durfee was a member of the United Congregational Church of Middletown, where he was Church Moderator for 40 years. He was past president and a former long-time member of the Board of Trustees and was on the building committee for the Valley Road Church. Mr. Durfee was a member of the Sons of the Revolution SR 1948-present, past Solicitor General, past President and Treasurer of Rhode Island Society SR., Chairman of the annual 4th of July ceremonies in Washington Square, at which he had read the Declaration of Independence for over 40 years. He was a charter member of the North End Club, a director of the Middletown Historical Society, a member of the Newport Historical Society, the Redwood Library, the Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club, the Rhode Island and Newport County Bar Associations and he was chairman of the Newport County Bar Association golf tournament for several years. Mr. Durfee was the first hourly employee of the Newport Creamery on the West Main Rd, he worked 71 hours during opening week in July of 1940. He ate lunch at one of the local creameries several times a week for more than 50 years. Mr. Durfee was involved in Republican politics for most of his adult life. He was a member of the Newport City Council from 1951-1955, a current and long-time member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee, a member of the Rhode Island State Racing and Athletics Commission Hearing Board, appointed by Gov. John H. Chafee on June 24, 1966 for term ending March 1, 1971. He was President of the Middletown Babe Ruth League, from 1969-1972 and managed Tommys Service team from 1968-1969. Ray was and avid Red Sox and New England Patriot fan. Besides his wife of 52years he is survived by his son Robert H. Durfee of Laconia, NH, his daughter Lynda M. Durfee of Alexandria, VA, his daughter in-law Joanne Durfee of Laconia, NH, his grandson Paul H. Durfee and granddaughter Carolyn R. Durfee of both of Laconia, NH.He was the brother of the late Geroge N. Durfee and Louise I. Mangam. A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2002, at 2:00 PM in the United Congretional Church, Valley Road At Green End Avenue, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or to the charity of donors choice.