Last Monday February 22, 2016 was a beautiful morning; the air was crisp and cold; the stars shone brightly in the sky. It was an especially beautiful morning for those who believe in Jesus; for the Lord Himself walked our town, met a friend and took him with Him. In so doing, our Lord made good on his promise to take John B. Griffin home with Him.
John Bernard Griffin, the son of Gerald J. Griffin and Mary Louise Conroy Griffin was born at the Blockhouse located in the village of South Wareham, MA, an Irish enclave, on May 12, 1933.
John attended Wareham schools and upon graduation from high school, joined the U.S. Marine Corps., where he proudly served three years during the Korean conflict. John, a bachelor, was devoted to caring for his mother and demonstrated inordinate loyalty for his nieces and nephews, Deidre Enos Foerester, Lauren G. Higgins, Kelley J. Griffin, Cecilia M. Griffin, Kathy Enos, Jay Enos, Gerald J. Griffin and Jeffrey Lund. John especially enjoyed the frequent visits from his grandniece, Maggie Griffin and grandnephew, N. Tate Griffin. In his time of need, John greatly appreciated the company and kindness of his special cousin, Frances A. Murphy of Wareham.
After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps., John worked for the Town of Wareham, retiring in the early 2000’s after over forty years of service.
John Bernard is survived by his sister, Geraldine S. Lund of Danvers, MA and his brother Lawrence D. Griffin of Waterville, ME and Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his sisters, Rita Enos and Sally Ann Griffin.
At John’s request, there will be no visitation hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church on High Street in Wareham. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Arrangements under the care and direction of Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Semper Fi, John.