Thomas Francis Griffin

Thomas Francis Griffin, 91, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away on August 31, 2024. He was born on April 28, 1933, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to the late Michael and Honora Griffin. He lived in South Windsor, Connecticut for 60 years before moving to Florida after wintering there for many years.

Thomas was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Ruth Griffin, and a cherished father to his three children: Ellen Pelan and husband Brian of Florida, James Griffin and wife Valerie of Florida, and Edward Griffin and wife Lauren of Rhode Island. He was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren— Alexander ( Katie Rose ) and Caitlin Pelan, Abigael and Sean Griffin, and Julia, Kevin and Brandon Griffin, and two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Elizabeth, He is also survived by siblings, Alice Landry of Massachusetts, Paul Griffin of Massachusetts and Donald Griffin of Florida, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John and Joseph Griffin.

Thomas served his country with honor as a member of the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954. He met Ruth in Boston through their mutual best friends and married on September 6, 1958. Almost making 66 years. After his service, he pursued a career as an Aeronautical Engineer for over 30 years, where his intelligence and dedication shone through. He was known for his remarkable ability to tinker and fix anything, a talent that was both admired and relied upon by those who knew him.

A man of deep faith, Thomas was an active member of the Catholic community. He dedicated 18 years to running bingo at St. Margaret Mary Church, where he implemented new technological programs. His commitment to service extended beyond his church by volunteering at several other organizations: FISH, South Windsor Democratic party, and UTC Research Center. He served as a justice of the peace and married many people.

In addition to his professional and volunteer endeavors, Thomas found joy in the simple pleasures of life.  In 2004, he had a hole-in-one at Blackledge Country Club, the same year his beloved Red Sox won the Worlds Series. He was an avid golfer and card player, with a particular love for the game of bridge. A memorial bench is proposed to be installed at Blackledge Country Club to honor him and his 3 golfing buddies, Bill, Tom, and Dick. He was a fun dad, whether we were skiing, sailing, playing family wordle or vacationing in Cape Cod. He taught us how to live a good life.

He participated fully in all of his grandkids activities, attending many sports games, recitals, grandparent’s day etc. and saw them all graduate from college. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland with family members. His friends and family remember him as a kind and generous man who lived his life with integrity and warmth. He was always the last to leave the party and never met someone that didn’t become a new friend. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 5, at 10 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Road, South Windsor. Burial will follow at Wapping Cemetery in South Windsor. Should friends desire, a contribution should be made to a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870