Frederic Griffin

Born – September 3, 1918 in Jersey City, NJ Passed – Sunday, June 7, 2020, Littleton, CO

Parents: Frederick Hassett Griffin and Marie F. Poole

Married to Mary L. Nazario for 67 years. Mom passed May 1, 2011

Fred’s Siblings:
Twin sister, Marie Hicks
Norma Fucini
Richard Griffin

Children and Spouses:
Dianne Johnson-Pape and Gordon Pape (spouse), Littleton, CO
Frederic Griffin and Peggy Griffin (spouse) Punta Gorda, FL
Robert Griffin, Los Angeles, CA

Grandchildren:
Robin Johnson
Daniel Griffin
Ryan Johnson
Jason Griffin
Jaime Griffin Hester

Great Grandchildren
Kaitlyn Griffin
Michala Crawford
Jayson Griffin
Jaila Hester
Stephen Griffin
Cadynce Hester
Chase Cray
Kian Johnson

Education:
Teaneck HS, Teaneck, NJ
Newark College of Engineering
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Electrical Engineering

Employment:
Western Electric
AT&T
Alcatel Lucent

Organizations and Memberships
Telephone Pioneers of NJ
AOPA – Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

A socially -distanced celebration of Fred's life will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Co on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Fred will receive Military Honors at 3:00 p.m. Those unable to attend are welcome to join the gathering electronically via Zoom.

Fred and Mary were married for 67 years. His life centered around his family. He was a friend in the truest sense, always ready to lend a hand. He was a man of quiet faith.

Fred served in the US Army during WWII in both the European and Pacific Theaters, and was a Medic at Normandy. He loved to fly and learned as a young lad in the Civil Air Patrol...taking off and landing sea planes on the Hackensack River in NJ in the late 1930's. An Army program in 1944 gave him and others a brief opportunity to become a pilot in the Army Air Force (AAF) but was prematurely discontinued before he earned his wings. His passion for flying persisted throughout his life and eventually, late 60s and 3 children later, became a licensed pilot. He also enjoyed boating serving as a co-captain on the G-Force, fishing, music and helping his children with their homes, cars, boats, docks, planes and hangers – anything outdoors.

Education was at the core of Fred's life and his influence on his children. The GI Bill enabled him to go to college which he did over the course of 13 years while working full-time and raising a family. He received his degree in Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1964. A powerful example of personal discipline and commitment that encouraged his children to pursue higher education.

Fred had the gift of gab and easily endeared himself to anyone he met. Nobody was a stranger, merely someone he had not yet spoken with; and he met and engaged everyone! His manner was gentle and he was slow to anger (thankfully an uncommon occurrence) but when he did his words were considered, measured and sincere. He was most often known to utilize a variety of polite euphemisms and expressions such as describing “how he entered the hospital for a hernia operation only to leave with a wife, three children and a mortgage;” or “I will see you tomorrow as long as the good Lord is willing and the creek doesn’t rise”! These expressions caused listeners to pay attention, engage, chuckle, maybe wonder, then smile and to be long remembered.

Fred treated all with kindness and respect. He was a humble man whose actions and character were an admirable example for his children and grandchildren. He was a man of honor who served his country, his family and the world exceedingly well. He was and always will be a hero… he was the rock of our family and our Northern Star.