Robert Carl Durfee (“Durf”) June 25, 1939-December 10, 2022
Bob was born in Fair Haven, Vermont to Carl and Rose Durfee, the oldest of their 6 children. There he met and married his high school sweetheart, Jane. Although he left Vermont, he remained a “Vermonter” at heart. He visited his family there often after his retirement from his restaurant.
After moving to the Rochester area to attend college at RIT, Durf began his restaurant career to support his young family. He opened the original Durf’s Family Restaurant in Seabreeze, NY in 1974. He moved the restaurant to the village of Fairport in 1978 where it continues to be a staple of the community to this day, run by 3 of his children. Durf, our Dad, called himself the CEO of the restaurant after his retirement and will forever remain the CEO in our hearts.
Durf was happiest on a boat or on the ice fishing and in the woods hunting. He was an avid outdoorsman who shared his passion with kids, friends and family. His hunting trips out West left him with great stories to share back home. Although his hunting and fishing took him many places, his first love was the Finger Lakes. After his retirement, he found his “second” home in Lodi, NY.
Durf passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Jane, his children: Pam (Dale) Weaver, Josh, Kathy Lloyd (Bob Broomfield), Karen Orlando, Lisa (Mike) Collins, Amy (Scott) Zani, Jill (Tom) Conine, Andy (Alexandra) and a ‘boatload’ of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He leaves his sisters: Barbara, Jane, Carlene, Mary and brother, Jim and their families in Vermont. He also leaves the many people whose lives he touched through his restaurant, hunting and fishing.
Durf’s family would like to invite you to join us for calling hours on Monday, December 19, 2022, 4-7 pm at Keenan’s Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road Fairport, NY 14450. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Durf’s memory to the Finger Lakes Land Trust 202 East Court Street Ithaca, NY 14850.
Comments
16 responses to “Durfee, Robert C. “Durf””
Miss you Dad.
BOB MADE THE BEST PORK DINNERS WE EVER TASTED AT HIS PLACE AT SEA BREEZE HE AND HIS WIFE JANE WERE EXCELLENT COOKS AND WE ALSO ENJOYED MANY BREAKFASTS AT “DURF”S IN FAIRPORT. WHEN HE NEEDED SOME TIME “OFF” HE’D SOMEHOW MANAGE TO FALL OUT OF A TREE.
durf was the salt of the earth he always took time to talk to his customers, he will total be missed RIP
The FHS Class of ‘77 sends its deepest sympathies to the Durfee family, especially our classmate, Pam. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear this. I worked at Durfs restaurant when I was 23 years old. LOVED THE JOB, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the family…. Prayers for the family during this difficult time….
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great boss and a great guy. I remember when he talked fishing his face lit up. Prayers are with you Durfee family.
So sorry Durfee family, so many amazing memories I’ll cherish forever! R.I.P. Durf, I know your fishing on the big lake now!
So sorry to hear of Durf’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing about his fishing stories at his dental visits at Dr. spiecher’s office. ?
So happy to have had lunch with Papa Durf a few times. He told me the story how he started Durf,s. I felt flattered to be there. My prayers are with the Durfee family, and I will continue to dine at my all time favorite diner. God Bless.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Durfee family. I didn’t know Mr. « Durf » but I feel like I have met him through his childrens’ stories and wish I had the privilege of knowing him. The love his family had for him makes my heart ache for all of them at this sad time.
Rest In Peace forevermore.
I will never forget the warm welcome that I always experienced upon entering “Durf’s.” Whether he was there or not, his welcoming, accepting, and gracious spirit always made me feel at home. May he note rest in peace.
As a friend of Kathy’s I would like to extend my condolences to Kathyand her entire family.. May your wonderful Dad Rest In Peace.
Durf was a friend and insiration I used to stop for coffee on my way to work at seabreeze. I was insired by his determination to “challange the finger lakes”. I loved our frendship his smile and of course the game dinners in fairport. he will always be in my heart and on my mind he will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Prayers for God’s peace to comfort the entire Durfee family at this time. I remember many early morning blueberry pancake “union meetings” at Durf’s. Bob was always a genuine pleasant soul who reminded my of my grandfather. I’m grateful our paths crossed. He made a difference!
I began going to Durf’s in the late 1970’s at the Fairport location. Been there many times, never a disappointment. His children, following in their father’s footsteps transitioned into operational functions as Durf began his transition into retirement without missing a beat. Same homely, friendly atmosphere. I imagine Bob was very proud that the business he built remains strong and in good hands carrying on the Durf’s values and traditions. He will be remembered as a friend to all who knew him’ his customers and communities he touched.
Mr. Durf was a great friend to all the Sweeneys! I am sure my dad welcomed him with open arms and is showing him the best fishing spots in Heaven. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to the whole family during this difficult time. I remember many breakfasts at Durf’s when my dad and Mr. Durfee would regale us all with their fish tales.Peace.