Published in the July 24, 2015 edition
WAKEFIELD — David E. Griffin, 72, of Wakefield, died at the Pine Knoll Nursing Center in Lexington on July 14.
David was born in Melrose, raised in Wakefield and a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1962. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, receiving two Bronze Stars and also served as an Honor Guard at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
After returning from Vietnam, David resided in Wakefield and Malden for many years and worked for Liberty Chevrolet in Wakefield. He was the former president and coach for the Malden National Little League, enjoyed fishing, bowling, Nahant and Revere beachs and playing horseshoes with his close friends.
David loved camping in the White Mountains, golfing with his brother and spending his time with his family, friends and grandchildren.
He was the loving father of Joanne M. “Jody” Busa and her husband Paul of Mansfield, David E. Griffin Jr. and his wife Rachel of Beverly and Julie L. Gechijian and her husband Mark of Arlington. He was the former husband of Carol L. (Todd) Griffin of Malden. He was the cherished grandfather of Cameron, Sydney, Griffin, Bradley and Shane. He was the caring brother of Jeannie Cargill and her late husband Edwin of Wakefield, Richard Griffin and his wife Denise of Woburn, Ann Amaral, Mary Edwards and her husband Thomas, all of Lawrence and Dorothy Hatch and her husband Scott of Peabody. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Sunday, July 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston MA 02108. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
