Allison Brown Durfee, 88, of Dedham, Massachusetts, passed away on October 9, 2026.
Known to family and friends as “Al,” he was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the late Ruth Brayton Durfee and Nathan Barry Durfee. He later moved to Providence, Rhode Island, before attending The Hotchkiss School, from which he graduated in 1956. He went on to graduate from Yale University class of 1960 and serve in the United States Navy.
Al lived most of his adult life in Dedham. His summer home in Little Compton, Rhode Island, held a special place in his heart, connecting cherished childhood memories with a lifetime of summers spent with family and friends
Following his naval service, Al began a 41-year career in equity sales and management at Smith Barney, where he worked until his retirement.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Al found his greatest happiness in the company of those he loved. From the day they met, he was devoted to Virginia “Ginny” Nyvall, whom he married on January 20, 1968. Throughout their 58 years of marriage, they were inseparable, sharing a love of entertaining, singing with family and friends, and traveling together.
Music was a lifelong passion. At Yale, Al sang with the Spizzwinks and, during his senior year, the Whiffenpoofs. He also loved fishing, tennis and golf. He especially cherished playing in parent-child tournaments in Rhode Island with his daughter, Susan, and spending time on the course and courts with dear friends.
Al took particular pleasure in spending time with his grandsons, Will and Nathan. When they were young, he acquired a golf cart for the family’s Little Compton home, and rides along Taylor’s Lane soon became a favorite pastime. Family memories also included many picnic cruises and fishing trips aboard the Allure to Phillipi’s Beach, Third Beach, Gooseberry Island, Westport and Cuttyhunk.
Al is survived by his beloved wife, Ginny; his daughter, Susan, and her husband, Brian; his grandsons, William and Nathan; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, Jay and Sherman.
Information about a memorial service to be held at a later date will be available at Casperfuneralservices.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Little Compton Congregational Church, P.O Box 506, Little Compton, RI 02837.