Robert J. “Bobby” Griffin passed away peacefully, at home on August 16. He was 75. Raised in Somerville he was the son of the late William and Grace (Hudson) Griffin. After graduating high school, Bobby proudly served his country in the Army in Vietnam. Among his other decorations, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his honorable discharge, Bobby embarked on a long career in business. He first worked with Hertz rent-a-car and after making advancements in the company he moved onto working for SB Thomas Inc., the famed baked goods makers. For over 30 years, Bobby worked overseeing sales to distributors of the much loved English muffins. His passion and respect for people helped him earn professional success and develop many friendships over the years.
Bobby was devoted to his family. He and his wife Janice lived in Winchester and Andover, where they raised their daughters. Bobby loved cars and had a passion for upscale makes. He always seemed to have a Corvette, Cadillac, or something fancier in the garage and on the road. He also looked forward to travelling to car shows with family or friends. Bobby kept up on current events. He read the papers daily and also enjoyed studying history. He loved music, especially the music of the 60’s and 70’s which shaped his generation. He looked forward to time with family and friends, having time to tell stories, play with his dogs, spend the chilly months in Ft. Myers and especially looked forward to days with his daughters and their families. A great Boston sports fan, Bobby always cherished time with his sons-in-law watching the Patriots or Red Sox. Generous and thoughtful, Bobby always found a way to give to local charities.
The dear former husband of Janice M. (Casullo) Griffin, Bobby was the beloved father of Tara McAuliffe and her husband Dan of North Andover, Jennifer Deschenes and her husband Marc of Dracut, Tricia Zullo and her husband Nicolino of Andover. He was a loving grandfather of Reece, Brooke, Mia, Siena and loving step-grandfather of Jordan and Kellen. He was a devoted brother of the late Dorothy Carlson, Louise Canty, William Griffin, Lorraine Coole and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bobby’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday, August 26th at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family on Wednesday 4 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers please honor Bobby's memory by making a contribution to the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 616 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 3810-59959.