Richard P. Griffin

WORCESTER - Richard P. Griffin Jr., 84, of Worcester, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2017 under the loving care of his family and the compassionate and dedicated staff at Rose Monahan Hospice Home after an illness. He will be affectionately remembered and missed by his wife, Patricia A. (Cummings) Griffin, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in October; his son, Brian D. Griffin and his wife, Pamela of Northborough; his daughters, Maureen P. Scanlon and her husband, Timothy of Groton and Sheila A. Donahue and her husband, Richard of Plymouth; five grandchildren, Leeanne Griffin and her husband, Robert Zielonka, Brendan Griffin, Griffin Scanlon, Erin Scanlon and Connor Donahue; his brother-in-law, Michael Keane of Danbury, CT; three nieces, Eileen, Beth Ann and Brenda; and his Tewksbury cousins who were an important part of his life. He was predeceased by his daughter, Gael E. Griffin, and his sister, Barbara A. Keane. Dick was born in Lowell, the son of Richard P. and Josephine M. (Scullion) Griffin, and lived many years in Worcester. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s High and earned a bachelor’s degree from College of the Holy Cross in 1955 and later went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Worcester State College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Boston University. He also served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy. He was a teacher for 37 years in the Boylston and Southborough school systems, and served many years as an officer and president of the Boylston and Southborough Teachers’ Associations. He also served as an active member and officer of the Massachusetts Educational Library and Media Associations. He was a member of the Holy Cross Club of Worcester, Worcester Lodge of Elks, Main South American Legion and the Retired Mens’ Club of Greendale. Dick’s faith and family were foremost in his life. He was a devout member of Christ the King Church in Worcester. Dick will be remembered for his generosity and kind heart. The family wishes to thank Notre Dame Health Care; Laura Small, Cardiology NP, Dr. Robert Cavanaugh and Nicole Vincequere, NP and their offices for their care and support. Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Dick’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, September 4, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, September 5, at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please "Sign the Guestbook" on this page.