GRIFFITH Cromwell Wayne, 82, of Weston, Mass. passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
He was born Saturday, Nov. 11, 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to beloved parents Cromwell and Mildred Griffith. His predeceased brother Dale was his only sibling.
He grew up in Kingston, Pa. and attended Bucknell University, Wilkes University, and Northwestern University. He also resided in New Jersey, Illinois and Connecticut.
A true patriot, he served overseas in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Griffith spent over 40 years as a successful senior operating executive in multi-billion dollar worldwide corporations as well as an entrepreneurial CEO in several startups and turnarounds.
He was a veracious learner who had a passion for studying history, particularly World War II. He loved gardening, golfing, watching sports, enjoying cheeses, traveling the world, and his dog Beauty.
Wayne never shied away from asserting his opinions, especially his conservative political beliefs, and his booming baritone voice and firm handshake will forever be remembered by those he knew.
Above all, Wayne was a generous nurturer and caretaker of his immediate and extended family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jacqueline (Jones) Griffith; sons Doug Griffith (and wife Cindy Griffith) and Dwight Griffith; daughters Laurel (Griffith) Coolbaugh (and husband Bill Coolbaugh) and Beverly (Griffith) Farina (and husband John Farina); grandchildren Katie, Mary, Luke, Gethin, Thomas, Jack, and Matthew and great-grandchild Elle.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Westgate Church, 100 Winter St., Weston, MA 02493. A light reception will follow at Weston Golf Club (275 Meadowbrook Road, Weston, MA 02493).
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LLARC Scholarship Fund at Regis College (make checks payable to “LLARC Scholarship Fund Regis College,” 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493) and the Weston Fire Department (make checks payable to “Town of Weston Fire Department Firefighter Relief Association,” 394 Boston Post Road Weston, MA 02493).