Grafton – George L. Durfee, 95, passed away Nov. 21 at UMass – Memorial. George was raised in Falls City, NE.
He graduated from Michigan Tech, attended MIT and Harvard Program for Management Development. George was a lifelong employee of Wyman-Gordon, where he worked in various metallurgical and engineering management positions.
George leaves his wife, Alberta, and daughter, Melissa, both of Grafton, daughter, Dr. Andrea (Bill) Pierce of Seneca, SC, their 2 children, Matt (Jeannie) Pierce and their sons, Charlie and Austin, of Charlotte, NC and Alyssa Pierce and her partner, Sylvan, of Paris, France. His son Mark Durfee passed away in May of 2024 following complications from cancer.
At Wyman-Gordon, George collaborated on the development of Pratt & Whitney J57 engine and developed the Titanium coating process for the SR-71 “Blackbird” spy plane, for which he received a US patent. George was awarded the 2019 Titanium Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Titanium Association.
Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton is coordinating arrangements. A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 10 AM at Our Lady of Hope – St. Mary’s, North Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to UMass Memorial Health, Office of Philanthropy, 365 Plantation Street, Biotech One – Suite 301, Worcester, MA 01605.
