George E. Griffin, age 93, formerly of South Hadley, MA, died on May 3, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born on March 13, 1929 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the son of George Griffin and Rosita Crimmins. He attended St Jerome’s High School, graduated from Loyola College in Montreal, and earned a Master Degree from Hunter College in New York. He was a long time math teacher at South Hadley High and Longmeadow High School and worked for many years at Rucki’s Tire Co. in Holyoke. George met the love of his life, Rosemary Chesky, in high school, and they married in 1951. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage until Rosemary’s passing in 2017.
He is survived by his dear sister Peggy Johnson of South Hadley and his six children: Patti and Mike Dawley of Henrico,VA, Laurie Long of Lakewood, CO, Tim and Lisa Griffin of Chicopee, Maureen and Bob Stebbins of Scituate, Joanne and Todd Wilson of Ipswich, and George and Carol Bourgeois of Lyman, ME; thirteen grandchildren, Matthew Dawley, Katie (Dawley) Hallberg, Luke Dawley, Brian Long, Brett Long, Amanda Griffin, Emma Griffin, Connor Griffin, Chase Stebbins, Sage Stebbins, Griffin Wilson, Madeline Wilson, and Nicole Wilson; six great grandchildren, Levi and Liam Dawley, Brynn and Cooper Hallberg, and Ottilie and Rosie Long, and many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his dear sister Marjorie Kelly in 2008.
George was a member of the Holyoke Lodge of Elks and a long time member of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee - he loved being the T-shirt guy! He also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, traveling, celebratingChristmas Eve with the Chesky’s, Irish Night at The Elks, Burger & Brew at Wyckoff, and making the best Irish coffees. .
The simple mantra he instilled in his family was the infamous “You can’t live like an animal!” Dad will be missed.
The celebration of his life will be a private family service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Springfield Rescue Mission, 10 Mill Street, P.O. Box 9045 Springfield, MA, 01102-9045
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