Obituary: Richard "Red" Griffin Dies at 71

WOLCOTT — Mr. Richard "Red" Griffin, age 71, of Wolcott, formerly of Prospect, died Thursday January 26, 2012 at Waterbury Hospital, surrounded by his loving family after courageously battling cancer. He was the loving husband of Marcia (Gonsovowski) Griffin.

Richard was born in Waterbury on June 7, 1940 a son of the late Maurice and Gertrude (Griffin) Wood. He attended Kaynor Tech and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He worked at Anchor Fasteners for 20 years, Cold Form for 10 years and also at Northeast. He loved sports having played baseball for many years, umpired for many years after and was honored by the Central Connecticut Baseball Umpires Association in 1983. Richard also loved golf and attended the GHO every year with his son in law George Wheeler. He was an avid UCONN basketball and Dodgers fan.

The greatest day in Richard's life was when he became a baptized Jehovah's Witness on October 31, 1976. His joy beyond words was attained when he shared and helped to train others in Bible knowledge, serving Jehovah God. He was presently an active member of the Wolcott Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses but also previously attended the Waterville and East Naugatuck Congregations. From the end of November 2002 the friendship of Richard and Marcia blossomed into a marriage of bliss of only nine short years. They took the time together to travel and just the moments of every day were so deeply cherished.

Besides his loving wife Marcia, Richard is survived by two daughters, Mary Banker of Terryville and Karen Wheeler and her husband George of Terryville, three sons: Martin Lodge of Wolcott, David Lodge of Wolcott and Chris Lodge and his wife Lori of Terryville, three brothers, George Griffin and his wife Wendy of Prospect, Thomas Griffin of Florida, and Prospect Fire Marshal Keith Griffin of Prospect, 5 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Elaine (Sankey) Griffin.

Richard's family would like to thank Waterbury Hospital, especially Dr. Bodell and his team for the compassionate care that they gave to Richard.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Saturday February 4, 2012 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the East Upper Level of the Wolcott Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 2670 North Main St. Waterbury followed by a memorial talk at 2 p.m. The Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home 26 Waterbury Rd. Route 69 Prospect is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wolcott Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses 2670 North Main St. Waterbury, Ct. 06704.

For more information and online condolences please log on to www.buckmillerbrothers.com.