Ron Duprey

NEWPORT, RI-Ron Duprey of Newport, RI formerly of Worcester died Tuesday, April 4 at Newport Hospital.

He is survived by his best friend and brother, William Duprey of Worcester and by Peggy Nicholson of Newport, RI and the cat that he brought in from the cold, Ghost.

He was born in Worcester the son of his loving parents James and Ruth M. (Conway) Duprey. He crossed the Atlantic 24 times under sail. He learned his trade in the Maine Schooner Fleet: Stephen Taber, Mattie, Mercantile. He rigged the tall ship, Spirit of Massachusetts. Ron was the sailing master of the Golden Hinde, a 161 ton square rig replica of Sir Francis Drake's Vessel. He also captained the Red Lion, a square rig replica of a 16th century Dutch trading vessel. He served as mate aboard the SchoonerYachts, Puritan and America. He orchestrated a spectacular restoration of the Fife Yacht, Halloween and most recently he captained the Schooner, Aurora.

The pain of your loss can only be softened by the memories of great times, hanging by the ocean or riding motorcycles through the back roads of Connecticut. His heart was as big as the moon. It stopped forever the morning of April 4, 2006. So if you ever see the big green schooner with the red sails, ghosting out of Newport Harbor, there goes Captain Ron Duprey. Be well, Bro.

A memorial service will be held at a time to be determined. CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements. To place an online condolence please visit wwwcallahanfay.com.