George "Dorty" Dipina, 92, of North Providence, RI, passed away peacefully on March 25th, 2023 at home under compassionate hospice care. He was the husband to the late Marie (Wooden) Dipina.
Born in Providence, RI son of Joseph and Laura (Matthews) Dipina. George was predeceased by his oldest son, George Jr. He is survived by Gail (Philip) Payne of Land ‘O Lakes, FLA, Gene and Mark of North Providence, one grandson, Jeremy Payne of North Providence, RI and two great grandchildren, Xavier and Elijah Payne of Warwick, RI. George was one of Five. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph (Linda) and Larzo (Betty) and his sister Etheline “Dede” (Jose) Gonsalves and James (Geraldine). George leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who were all well-loved.

George was long self-employed in business with brother Larzo doing landscape construction as Dipina Brothers Inc. over the course of many decades family members were under the employ of the successful business. He continued to work up until the age of 91, awakening early each morning to his boots, hat and gloves eager to begin another day on the job.

A no handicap golfer at age 14 he was absolute natural to the game. He always played to win and had amassed numerous golf championships in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In his late teens and twenties he played professionally in golf tournaments held especially for African Americans winning several of these prestigious events. George was a pioneer in becoming the First African American to join Louisquissett Golf Club in North Providence, RI where upon he preceded to win multiple club championships and was the first African American to play in a Rhode Island state Championship.

George enjoyed sharing his knowledge of golf through teaching and continued to do so into his nineties. His passion for golf propelled him to create a golf museum at his home, which is pretty special for those lucky enough to get an enthusiastic tour by “ Dorty” himself. In 2010 and 2011 George was honored with a charity golf tournament generously created by the Cape Verde Museum in Pawtucket, RI where on display is an example of a handmade golf club he crafted and played with along with his brothers in their childhoods from a tree branch of the correct shape, a section of pipe and nails.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30th from 10am-12pm with a service at 12pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, 163 Smithfield Ave. Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, you may please send donations to Hope Health Hospice Palliative, 1085 North main St. Providence RI 02904 and, or the Cape Verde Museum, 617 Prospect St. Pawtucket, RI 02860.