Man of many interests enjoyed taking the new road
Published in the October 14, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Robert A. Griffin, 88, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Brooksby Village in Peabody on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Robert was born in Winchester on June 28, 1928, one of five children of the late Norman B. and Helen V. (Kiernan) Griffin. He was raised and educated in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School. He continued his education at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he received a degree in Business Administration.
Bob was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Melrose where he met his wife Claire Noren at the young adult group. They were married on Sept. 12, 1953 and raised their three children in Melrose.
Bob was blessed with a sharp and analytical mind. Born into a family of typesetters, he served as president of the family business, Monotype Composition Co. in Boston. Founded in 1911 by Bob’s grandfather, the business operated successfully with the leadership of Bob and his sister, Ruth N. Clark, for many years. With his curious mind and love for learning new things, Bob was constantly adapting to new technology and continued to advance the business until its closing in 1996.
Mr. Griffin was an intelligent man who followed his own path. He had a passion for sailing, flying, gardening and singing. He sailed up and down the coast from Massachusetts to Maine, he knew every bay and island in between. As a licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying a Mooney single engine plane that he piloted out of Hansom Field. Closer to home in Melrose, Bob was a longtime tenor with the Polymnia Choral Society and held the position of in house graphic designer up until his passing. He was a founding member and served as treasurer of the a capella ensemble, Blue of a Kind, and sang in the choir at First Congregational Church.
Bob enjoyed a good story and, in his younger days, had a penchant for mischief. Throughout life, he enjoyed navigating the new road, always taking the scenic route when presented with the option.
With his curious mind and background in typesetting, he was always ready to build, rebuild or take anything apart. He built speakers, enjoyed woodworking and was eager to try anything for the first time. Above all, Bob was a devoted family man, who was forever protective of his wife Claire, and loving to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed every moment he spent at family gatherings and watching as his grandchildren grew. He will be lovingly remembered.
Bob was the beloved husband of Claire C. Griffin with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Barbara G. Arsnow and her husband Edward of Lynnfield, David S. Griffin and his wife Chris of Marietta, Ga., and Kenneth A. Griffin and his wife Elizabeth of Cranbury, N.J. He was the dear brother of Ruth N. Clark of Melrose and the late David M. Griffin, Richard Griffin and Linda Marston. He was the cherished grandfather of Christine Arsnow and her husband Matthew Roginski of West Lebanon, N.H., Dan Arsnow and Alison Keppler of Cambridge, Michael Arsnow of Lynnfield, Michael Griffin of New York City, Andrew Griffin of Marietta, Ga., Claire Griffin of Marietta, Ga., Ken Griffin Jr. of Cranbury, N.J. and Katie Griffin of Cranbury, N.J.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Bob’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 2-6 p.m., and for his funeral service at the First Congregational Church, 121 West Foster St., Melrose on Monday celebrated at 9 a.m.
Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the First Congregational Church, 121 West Foster St., Melrose MA 02176.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
