John Joseph Griffin, Sr., “Jack”, 90, of West Hartford, beloved wife of Frances "Fran" (Boyle) Griffin, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 27, 2021. Son of the late James R. and Josephine (Hickey) Griffin, Jack was born and raised in Hartford. Jack graduated from Hartford Public High School, class of 1950, where he was a talented basketball and baseball player. Jack served with the US Navy and was a Korean War Veteran. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Jack spent his career working for Pratt & Whitney/United Technologies, retiring in 1991. Jack loved sports, joining a baseball or softball game whenever asked.
Upon retirement, Jack joined Rockledge Country Club where he remained a member for many years. Jack loved to golf, often holding the record for most rounds played during the year. Jack volunteered for many organizations over the years, including St. Brigid School Home School Association, CYO Basketball, American Legion Baseball, and Special Olympics, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jack loved his yearly Florida vacations with his family, where he met many lifelong friends. Jack’s biggest love however was his family, especially Fran whom he met in high school and was married to for 64 years. Jack enjoyed attending Special Olympics events cheering on his son Jackie and joining him as a unified golf partner.
But the name he liked to be called most was Grandpa. His granddaughters meant the world to Jack. Besides his wife Fran, Jack is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Tom Rooney of Norwood, MA; his grandchildren, Amanda and Emily Rooney of Norwood, MA, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his daughter Lynn Griffin and his son John Joseph “Jackie” Griffin Jr., his brother James "Jim" Griffin, sisters Arline Gudmundson, Margaret “Peg” Burns, and brother in law George “Ed” Boyle.
Jack’s family would like to say a special thank you to Seasons Hospice and the Brookdale Chatfield community for the compassionate care shown to Jack and his family especially in the last few weeks of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 6, at 11:00 am at The Church of St Brigid in West Hartford, CT. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Walk-through calling hours will take place prior to the funeral mass from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s name to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517 or a charity of your choice.
To share memories or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com