Dr. Victor Lawrence Profughi, 88, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Born on August 13, 1937, at home in Dixonville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Mary (Franza) and John Profughi, and the youngest of four children. He shared a beautiful life with his beloved best friend and soulmate, Carolyn, whom he married in 1987 and cherished until her passing in December 2023.
Victor was a loving and devoted father to Hazel Profughi (partner David Demers), Gloria Profughi, Annabelle Raymond (Henry), and Cindy Profughi-Murphy (Edmund). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to John Martin (fiancée Shayna), Anna Zuchelli (Andrew), Edmund Murphy Jr. (Justine), Peter Murphy, and Kay-Lee Profughi; and a treasured great-grandfather to Naesen Martin, Simon Zuchelli, and Isaac Zuchelli. He was the brother of the late Jean Synder, Evelyn Knapp, and Gloria Sabatos.
In 1965, Victor moved his family from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island after accepting a position as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Rhode Island College, where he inspired generations of students before retiring in 2006. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island until his retirement.
A gifted scholar with a passion for research, polling, and public opinion, Victor combined academic insight with entrepreneurial vision. Alongside his business partner Tony Pestaturo, he co-founded Alpha Research Associates in the 1980s and later Quest Research in 1990.
Victor’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was deeply committed to the Lord’s work from a young age, becoming involved with Youth for Christ, which led him to New England Keswick in the Berkshires of Massachusetts in the 1950s. He remained active there in many capacities until its closing in 2010.
Over the years, Victor was devoted to his church communities, worshiping and serving at the Missionary Alliance Church in Providence, Woodlawn Baptist Church, and Greenville Baptist Church. He supported numerous mission organizations, not only through generous financial support but through hands-on involvement and faithful service. He was also a member of many historic organizations, far too many to name, reflecting his lifelong love of history, scholarship, and civic engagement.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10 am in the TUCKER-QUINN Funeral Chapel of Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations, 643 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4-7 pm. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, donations to Greenville Baptist Church, 582 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 would be appreciated.
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