Hall of Famer Dave Humphrey Passes Away at 95
David R. Humphrey
July 24, 1925 – December 7, 2020
David R. Humphrey “Dave”, age 95, died on December 7, 2020 at home with his daughter MaryLee Humphrey by his side. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Saleeba) Humphrey.
Born on July 24, 1925 he was the son of the late Charles and Alice Humphrey of Seekonk, brother to the late John, Charles and Alan Humphrey and Jeanette (Humphrey) Boudreau.
Mr. Humphrey joined the US Army at the age of 15 during World War II and served in the European theatre with the 3rd Army Infantry Division. He received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained on the battlefield.
After he returned home Mr. Humphrey’s interest turned to auto racing in 1946. Calling Seekonk Speedway his home track he then looked to stock car racing and won championships at Norwood Arena, Waterford (New London) Speedbowl and 3 at Seekonk Speedway. He began a long career as a victorious Midget Driver at the age of 21. Mr. Humphrey also drove sprint cars with the United Racing Club winning countless times and finishing in the top ten throughout the 4 years of competition. Shortly after joining the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) the trophies kept coming by way of multiple wins and 6 Championships. Mr. Humphrey held the all-time feature win record of 72 with NEMA. His record stood until 10 years after he retired in 1988. He drove for 11 different owners and was successful with each one. At one point he had an invitation to go to Indianapolis but decided to stay home, (his wife did not want him to go). Home being Seekonk and home being New England. It was fitting that his final win came at his home track Seekonk Speedway in October 1986. Seekonk Speedway had named the day “Dave Humphrey Day” and Mr. Humphrey was presented with an award acknowledging his 30 years of dedicated racing to NEMA. Dave Humphrey’s name is synonymous with auto racing clubs in the Northeast Region and yet he is recognized nationally. He has been honored by the NE Auto Racers Hall of Fame and the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame. The car he drove famously called the Lindblad Badger is now on display at the North East Motor Sports Museum in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Mr. Humphrey is survived by his children Steven Humphrey, his wife Maria of East Providence, RI, Betty Schifino-Cotoia of Pawtucket, RI, MaryLee Humphrey of Seekonk, MA with whom he lived and Susan Young of van Nuys, CA. His grandchildren, David Schifino, Kim Schifino, Heather Cotoia, Sheila Zuccarello and Jake Young. He also had many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will miss him always.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Beacon Hospice Care, 1 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, RI 02914
Services with military honors and burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery will be private.
Sources: Rebello Funeral Home