Robert Michael Griffin, 89, of Merritt Island, FL and formerly of Norwich, NY, lost his courageous battle against cancer on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. As a devoted and highly respected father, husband, and physician, Bob lived in service of others, offering acts of kindness, humility, and love to those around him. Born on May 11, 1924 to Helena Mulligan Griffin and Michael Eugene Griffin, as the youngest of three children, Bob’s greatest joys included family, his faith, friendship, serving his community, and spending summers in Enfield, NH. In addition to his parents, his sisters, Mary Griffin Peters and Sister M. Aileen Griffin preceded him in death.
He served his country as a WWII Naval Aviation Radio Operator in the Asia-Pacific. The suffering he observed inspired him to commit to a life of healing and peacemaking. After graduating from Muhlenberg College and Albany School of Medicine he served as a general family physician and later as an ophthalmologist in his hometown of Norwich, NY. In 1994 his fellow physicians at the Chenango Memorial Hospital honored him with the Distinguished Physician’s Award. In the 1960s Bob volunteered at a medical clinic in Afghanistan. After retiring he was involved in the St. Vincent DePaul ministry, respite care and visitation to the homebound.
Bob married Norma Jean Monde Griffin in June 1953 and together they set an example of marriage and family for 34 years until her death in 1987. They had six children: Catherine Griffin; Patricia Griffin (Emily); Robert Griffin Jr. (Karen); Mark Griffin (Melissa); Anne Griffin (Joe Baio); and William Griffin (Laurie). He was blessed to find love a second time with Patricia Stark Griffin whom he married in July 1989, opening his heart to her children, John Stark (Mary), Lynn Reynolds (Bruce), and David Stark (Lois). Left to cherish his memory along with his children are grandchildren, Kelly Towart (Justin); Evan Griffin; Mike and Emma Griffin; Norma Jean and Rosemary Haynes; Robert Griffin; Patrick and Lucas Reynolds; brothers-in-law Harry and Arthur Monde; several beloved nieces and nephews, and one great aunt.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich, NY on Friday, November 22nd from 2 pm to 4pm, and again from 6 pm to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Saturday, November 23rd at 10 am, followed by burial at St Paul’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St Paul’s Catholic Church in Norwich, NY; St Helena’s Catholic Church in Enfield, NH; or the St Vincent DePaul Society at Divine Mercy Church in Merritt Island, FL.