Stephen Jude Griffin, 65, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024. Born on January 16, 1959, he was the youngest of five children and, according to him, a special gift to his mother because he was born on her birthday. Stephen found a lot of humor in his role as the rascal baby brother and his knack for mischief throughout his life. He was raised in the Highlands neighborhood of Lowell, Massachusetts, where he attended St. Margaret's Elementary School and Lowell High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps, and he later worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over three decades. Stephen was proud of his union work and believed in the collective voice of working people.
Stephen's legacy is one of laughter and love. Gregarious and loud, Stephen never met a stranger. He could talk to anybody about anything. He was a skilled storyteller, although the stories were often of questionable origin and veracity. In the preparation of this obituary, his children realized he had shared different versions of the same story with them. Each version of the tale was absurd, and in each he came to the aid of a damsel in distress. Stephen was a lifelong student of history, and he did his best to bestow his love of history to his children. Most importantly, though, Stephen was quick to say "I love you" to his family. He was especially proud of his three granddaughters whom he claimed are the smartest, cutest kids ever.
Stephen's children are so grateful for the tremendous care, love, and patience Stephen's sisters and niece Krista provided to him during his retirement tour.
Stephen is survived by his children Courtney Griffin and her husband (Evan Werner), Colin Griffin, Emily Griffin Johnson and her husband; former spouse Christina Griffin; the "smartest, cutest granddaughters ever" Alice Werner, Louise Werner, and Eliza Griffin Johnson; sisters Patricia Griffin, Mary Elizabeth Marsh, Martha Sanford and her husband; sister-in-law Maureen Griffin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Stephen is predeceased by his father Joseph Griffin, mother Patricia Griffin, and brother Joseph Griffin.
On Friday, March 1, 2024 all are welcome to attend his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 374 Stevens Street, Lowell. Procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. A small reception celebrating Stephen's life will follow. Further details will be shared soon.