Paul F. Griffin, Sr., 84
Dateline: Norton, MA
Paul F. Griffin, Sr., age 84, of Norton, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was the beloved husband of Pauline A. (Fahey) Griffin, to whom he was wed on September 25, 1960.
Born in Cambridge, MA on July 1, 1933, he was a loving son of the late Frederick V. and Mary A. (O’Connell) Griffin.
Paul grew up in Watertown and was a graduate of Watertown High School. During the Korean War, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He attended Northeastern University and later graduated from the former Boston State College, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education.
Mr. Griffin was a teacher, having worked in the Boston Public School System for many years. He retired in 1998 as a social studies teacher at the William Barton Rogers Middle School in Hyde Park and during his educational career, had also been employed at American Airlines.
A resident of Norton since 1971, Paul was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Norton, where he formerly taught religious education, served as a former church lector and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Paul’s adoring family was always the center of his attention. He belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians in North Attleboro, was active in Pro-Life movement and was a member of the former American Legion Post in Norton. When younger, Paul enjoyed carving American Eagles and for many years was a proud friend of “Bill W.”
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his devoted children Joanne M. Reynolds and her husband Michael of Kingston, Mary E. Grace of South Thomaston, Maine, Paul F. Griffin, Jr. of Norton, and Patricia A. Miller and her husband Edward of Rockland, Maine. He was the dear brother of the late Joanne Emerson and Frederick S. Griffin. He was the cherished grandfather “Pinty” of Harrison Reynolds, Mollie, Billy, Sean and Hannah Grace, and Sarah, Kate and Lauren Miller. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Monday, October 23rd at 11:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Power St., Norton. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:30 P.M.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 22nd from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton.
Due to the limitation of flowers allowed at the National Cemetery, Paul’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the new England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com