Obituary of William Edward Durfee, Jr

William “Billy” Edward Durfee Jr, 68 of Braintree Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on January 4th, 2025, at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston, after a 20-year courageous battle with Leukemia and heart condition.  Billy was a fighter and never gave up but was called to fly with the angels. Billy was the oldest of his siblings and was born in Roxbury on January 29th, 1956, to the late William and Mary (Hartmann) Durfee.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Karen Durfee (Flannery) of 48 years, his 4 daughters Katie Conners and fiancé Shawn Cahoon of Rochester MA, Stacey Kenneally and husband Patrick of Carver MA, Amy Hanafin and husband Mike of Marshfield, and Kelly Cella and husband Mike of Plymouth.  Billy is also survived by his brother Kenny Durfee and wife Christine of Lyndonville VT, sister Debbie Durfee of Braintree, brother-in-law Kevin Flannery and wife Maureen of Sandwich MA, Tommy Flannery and wife Carolyn of Braintree, Maureen Godding and husband Jim ‘Chipa’ of Marshfield, Brian Flannery and wife Peggy of Milwaukee Wisconsin, and Steve Flannery and wife Mary of Braintree.  Cherished Grandfather (Bampy) of his 10 Grandchildren, Maggie, Billy, and Paisley Conners, Nolan and Grace Kenneally, Jack and Micky Hanafin, and Kylie, Michael, and Joey Cella. Billy was a proud Uncle to many nieces and nephews.  Billy was predeceased by his loving parents William and Mary Durfee, Father and Mother-in-law Al and Lorraine Flannery, and his son in law Kevin Conners.

Billy graduated from South Boston High School in 1973 and attended college at Wentworth Institute of Technology.  He retired from the Boston Globe where he served as a paper handler for 25 years.  He loved the newspaper and always kept up on current events.  Billy would always have his girls sit down on Sunday’s during breakfast and have them read an article.  Oh to rewind time!  In his earlier years he worked for the Teamsters Union where he set up and broke down the trade shows.  He played football, baseball, softball, and loved watching all games live and on TV.

To know Billy was to love him, he was the funniest guy in the room, always had a joke ready to go and would leave your stomach and face hurting from laughter.  Billy loved making people laugh and making everyone feel comfortable.  If you knew Billy was there, you knew you were in good company.

Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  Billy’s favorite thing in the world was his family.  Billy married the love of his life Karen at the age of 21.  They met at the “Mad Hatter” and danced the night away.   Their dancing led to 48 years of marriage and together they created a big, happy, beautiful family of 4 daughters, 4 sons in laws, and 10 Grandchildren.  Billy’s favorite title was being called Dad and then he was even prouder to be called Bampy.  Every daughter and grandchild got the same amount of unconditional love.  He went to every event his kids and grandkids had from football games, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, dance recitals, concerts, etc.  He was THE proudest Dad and Bampy.  His relationship with his wife, daughters and grandchildren was something special.  He always had the best advice which always came with a joke.  You never left his company or got off the phone without some wise advice, a laugh, or feeling his love.

Billy’s brother, sister, and brother and sister in laws were his best friends and meant the world to him.  Billy loved the beach, the Ocean, him and Karen’s little slice of Heaven in Dennisport Cape Cod, going to Cape Cod Baseball Games, playing cards, with family, and wonderful cape friends.  He loved his Country, sports, good music, and could talk to anyone about anything.  Billy loved life and family and will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at St. Brigid’s church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, 841 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127