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Dr. Gilbert Reese Griffiths, 70, of Dallas Twp., passed away suddenly at his home Friday, April 28, 2017.
He was born Feb. 1, 1947, in Wilkes-Barre, to the late Edgar R. Griffiths and Harriet Ponting Griffiths.
After graduation from GAR High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Gilbert received his undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University and started his career in education in the Wyoming Valley West School District. He continued his education at Wilkes University, earning his Master of Science degree in education and later a master's degree in counseling from Marywood University. His desire to learn led him to attain his doctorate degree in education from Penn State University that prepared him for his leadership roles in local school districts and universities.
Gilbert retired from the Dallas School District as superintendent in 2004 and returned to his alma mater, collaborating with and training the next generation of education leaders at Wilkes University, from where he retired in 2014. He kept active in the education community by serving as chairman of the board for the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission until his passing.
He was a member of Dorranceton United Methodist, Kingston.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Pintchuck.
Gilbert is survived by his loving wife, the former Janie Morgan, Dallas Township; son, Barry Griffiths and his wife, Lindsay, Bridgeport; and beloved granddaughter, Morgan Lella Griffiths.
He is also survived by his brother, Thomas, Windermere, Fla.; and brothers-in-law, whom he loved like his own brothers, Dr. William A. Morgan, Philip J. Morgan, and Dr. Barry A. Morgan; and several nieces and nephews.
A private viewing and funeral services will be held from Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home, Forty Fort.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.
For information or to send the family a condolence, please visit hughbhughes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Griffiths and Family.
I was so sorry to learn of the Dr.s' passing. I just heard on Friday night. My late husband and I both had the utmost respect for him! He was the best and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We knew him from the Dallas School District. Please accept my sincere condolences as late as they are? Sincerely, Judy Hartman
September 25, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Griff. He was one of my wrestling coaches in junior high and teacher. I have many great memories of him. May God bless you and comfort all of you through this difficult time.
Bill DeRemer
May 2, 2017
Dear Mrs. Griffiths and Family,
I received the sad news yesterday afternoon about the very sudden passing of Gil. He was our gentle giant, friend, go to leader and Chair of the Professional Standards and Practices Commissioner in Harrisburg.
Gil would always have a special greeting and connection with each of us. His charm and easy style made us feel important and welcomed.
Gil was so proud of his family and would share the news and travels you would be experiencing. And, we would always see the special pictures of Morgan Lella that made him smile from ear to ear!
Thank you for sharing him with PSPC Commissioners past and present. He taught and led us well.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Liz Brewer PSPC Commissioner
Elizabeth Brewer
May 2, 2017
I was a teacher in the Dallas School District when Dr. Griffiths was superintendent. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Elizabeth Faerber
May 1, 2017
Jane and Family,My deepest sympathy .Gil and I have been friends for over 45 yrs.Many fond memories of him as he worked towards excellence .May He Rest In Peace . (Augie)
August Piazza
May 1, 2017
I just heard that "Boxer" passed away and wanted to express our sympathy to your family. It was a shock as he was still so young. Paul and I will include him in our prayers. Paul and Lynn Griffith Jacobs
May 1, 2017
Our condolences to you and your family. Working with Gil was one of the highlights of my time on the Board, most definitely one of the best superintendents Dallas has ever had. A true visionary.
Maureen and Bob Matiska
Maureen Matiska
May 1, 2017
I am without words for the deep loss felt by the passing of this amazing man, and have many fond memories of numerous conversations shared during and after his time with the Dallas School District. Heartfelt prayers to family and friends. This is one man that I can assure you will be missed...
Liz Martin
May 1, 2017
Janie,
John and I send our prayers to you and your family.
Jayne &John Gregg
May 1, 2017
Janie: I am so saddened by the sudden loss of Gil. He contributed so much to the educational community in his many capacities as teacher, principal, superintendent, professor and valued member of the Professional Standards and Practices Commission. I had the privilege of working with Gil on the Commission for many years and I have never met a finer gentleman. He wore his love for you and your son and family on his sleeve. We never started a meeting without a viewing of the latest pics of Morgan. He will be missed!
May 1, 2017
We were so saddened to hear of Gil's passing. He was such a wonderful man and will truly be missed. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Harry and Carolee Williams
May 1, 2017
Jane & Family, I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Gil's passing. I worked with him at Wilkes and he was a wonderful man. I will always miss his knowledge and stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Janelle Ellsworth
May 1, 2017
He was a significant influence on my life and was responsible for much of my success. My sympathies are with his wife and children. Rest in Peace, Coach Griffiths.
Edward Vanyo
May 1, 2017
My deepest sympathy to you. I worked with Gil in the Educational Leadership Program at Wilkes. His kindness, support and knowledge were truly appreciated.
Rhoda Tillman
May 1, 2017
My deepest sympathy to your family. Gil was a wonderful person whom I had the pleasure of working with at Wilkes University.
Anne Marie Smith
May 1, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the entire Griffiths family. I had the pleasure of working with Gil at Luzerne County Community College. We developed a friendship that lasted for more than 30 years. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the educational community. May his memory be eternal.
Stephen Yokimishyn
May 1, 2017
Rest in peace, Mr. Griffiths.
Dale Swan Jr.
April 30, 2017
Jane and family, I am in shock at the sudden passing of Dr. Gil. He was my mentor, advisor and most importantly, my friend. I am at a loss for words, my prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Roberts
Bob Roberts
April 30, 2017
Jane & family - I worked with Gil in the Graduate Ed office at Wilkes. So sorry to hear about his passing. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Joy Rinehimer
April 30, 2017
When I started at the Dallas School Distrct, Dr. Gill, as we called him, was a most genuine man. Kind,understanding, in charge, but the real deal. Such a rare person. God Bless.
deb c
April 30, 2017
Dear Janie and Family,
I was sorry to read of Gil's passing. I didn't know him but when you would mention a story about him, i always thought he seemed so devoted to you and your son. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Eileen murphy
April 30, 2017
May light perpetual shine upon him now and forevermore.
Robert Wallace
April 30, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. "G".
I had the pleasure and honor of working at Dallas School District when he was the superintendent. He was such a wonderful and genuine man! He was a great leader and always a pleasure to be around. The district was never the same after he left.
He will always be remembered with great fondness and will be missed by many who loved him.
My deepest condolences to all of his family. May he rest eternally in peace. ...
Jane Tolomello
April 30, 2017
Gil was a year ahead of me at GAR. We competed on the football field for a starting tackle position. Gil was always a quiet striving team player. I respected him then and he went on to be a superior educator. He set a fine example for the rest of us to strive for.
Neil Seidel
April 30, 2017
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Gil's family. I was Fred Templin's secretary in the mid-80's and remember Gil as a kind, gentle man. How wonderful to know his passion for teaching and inspiring others has been passed on to future generations.
Mary Kapschull
April 30, 2017
My Sincere Condolences to Gil's family--Gil was a classmate from 1st grade on--wonderful memories of a kind, friendly man who achieved so much thruout his life. RIP Classmate.
Nancy Kosteleba
April 30, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of this great friend and educator. He was a mentor and I will always be grateful for this guidance in the challenging world of educational leadership.
I am so glad I recently got to see him and I am convinced things happen for a reason. He will be missed by many, but that smile will remain in my heart forever.
May God bless and keep Mrs. Griffiths and family during this most difficult time.
Nancy Tkatch
April 30, 2017
Gil was my teacher and football coach Later when I became an educator myself, he inspired me with his dedication to education. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leslie Nicholas
April 30, 2017
Farewell GAR classmate. Rest In Peace.
Joseph Sellitto
April 30, 2017
Thank you for being a great teacher Mr Griffiths.
I have fond memories of my high school years. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Lisa Gimble Kesselman
WVW Class of 1981
April 29, 2017
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