WESTFIELD – Cecil Chester Durphey, 99, passed away on October 16, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. Cecil was born in Hartland, VT to the late Frank A. and Helen R. (Sturtevant) Durphey.He attended Dean Academy and graduated from Windsor High in 1933. He graduated American International College in 1938 and was recently recognized as the oldest living football player from AIC. He was employed at Hamilton Standard, then in 1944 he started his own business, C. Durphey Trucking, Inc. After retiring in 1981, he became interested in growing and showing Gladiolus. He joined the Western Mass Glad Society in 1982 and was president for over 10 years. He was also a member of 7 other glad clubs in different states. He was a former president and longtime member of the Southwick Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Melha Shrine. He was an avid Red Sox fan, deer hunter and outdoorsmen.
He leaves his loving wife of 71 years, Alice H. (Nutter) Durphey; his two sons, Ralph Durphey of Westfield and Gordon Durphey and his wife, Joan of W. Springfield; his daughter, Cindy Crepeau and her husband, Paul of Southwick; six grandchildren, Shannen Durphey and his wife, Reva, Amber Helems and her husband, Michael, Jenny Kapinos and her husband, James, Scott Crepeau, Brad Crepeau, and Sarah Crepeau; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Wilber, Robert, and Carroll Durphey; and his two sisters, Ruth Flanagan, and Pauline Smith.
Family and friends are invited to attend Cecil’s memorial service on Saturday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad Street, Westfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Western Mass Glad Society, c/o Ven Wells, 11 Steiger Drive, Westfield, MA 01085 or First Congregational Church, 18 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home.
For information please visit: www.forastierefuneralhome.com
