Lawrence Augustus “Larry” Durfee, Sr., 89, of Natick, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 1, 2011 in his home. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Scanzillo) Durfee with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.
Born in Boston, son of the late Frederick & Minnie (Madigan) Durfee, Larry was raised in Jamaica Plain, educated in the Boston Public Schools, & a graduate of Commerce High School. He worked as a shipping clerk for the G. Decicco Co. in Boston prior to being inducted into the United States Army on November 17, 1942 & served as a light machine gunner, medium tank crewman,& rifleman with the 711th Tank Battalion of the 9th Armored Division. Larry then went on to serve as a medical technician specializing in the neuropsychiatric ward at the VA Facility in Northport, L.I., N.Y. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, & the American Theater Campaign Ribbon prior to his honorable discharge on March 16, 1946. Larry returned to the Decicco Co. while continuing to serve in the United States Army Reserves & was recalled onto active duty on September 11, 1950. He once again served as a medical technician in the Neuropsychiatric Unit with the 2114th Medical Detachment until his honorable discharge from active duty on September 10, 1952. A true American patriot, Larry continued serving with the United States Army Reserve in the 373rd General Hospital Division until his retirement with the rank of Command Sergeant Major on November 2, 1981 after 38 years of active duty. He was a past commander of the American Legion Post 107 in Natick. Larry was an avid runner who regularly volunteered at numerous road races, enjoyed roller skating, & a real lover of traveling especially to Hawaii.
In addition to his beloved wife, Larry is survived by his cherished son, Lawrence Augustus “Larry” Durfee, Jr. of Waltham. He was the brother of the late Frederick, Donald, & Mary Durfee.
Relatives & friends are cordially invited to attend Larry's funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) NATICK on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 9:00 AM to be followed by his Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick's Church at 10:00 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 4-8 PM. For directions & online guestbook please visit www.everettfuneral.com