George Thomas Proferes of Sag Harbor died on September 26 at Huntington Hospital. He was 75 and the longtime owner of the Paradise Restaurant in Sag Harbor.
Born on November 6, 1938, in Southampton, he was the son of Theodore and Mary Proferes, both of whom predeceased him. He graduated from Pierson High School in 1956 and from 1961 to 1963, he served in the United States Army.
Affectionately known to his family as “Grumpa George,” he was a great role model to his own children, as well as dozens of Sag Harbor teens whom he employed at his restaurant, survivors said. He taught them the value of hard work and having some fun too. When he sold the Paradise, he told his customers, “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.”
In more recent years, he worked in the windmill on the Long Wharf and enjoyed telling visitors about the village. At the last Sag Harbor festival, he enjoyed seeing many neighbors and friends, survivors said.
Mr. Proferes is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carroll; three children, Tracey Proferes Signore and husband Nunzio of Suffern, Jody Proferes Miller and husband Steven of Sag Harbor, and Thomas Proferes of California; and three grandchildren. He is also survived by five siblings, Nicholas Proferes and wife Seong of Astoria, Donald Proferes and wife Marilyn of Huntington, Theadora DiSunno and husband Carmine of Amagansett, Christine Becker of Wainscott, and Frances Swift and husband Richard of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Nicole Marie Proferes.
A funeral took place on September 30 at St. Andrew’s Church in Sag Harbor. Arrangements were under the direction of the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor. Interment was at the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sag Harbor Fire Department/Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 209, Sag Harbor, NY 11963.
on Oct 6, 2014