FUNERAL HOME

Hall & Higgins Funeral Home

457 New York Route 43

Stephentown, New York

Richard Griffin Obituary

Richard M. Griffin Sr.

STEPHENTOWN, NY Richard Michael Griffin Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 31, after an extended battle with cancer. Born in East Lee, MA to parents Francis and Agnes Griffin, he resided in New Lebanon, NY. A talented athlete, he graduated in 1954 from New Lebanon High School. For more than 25 years he worked as a salesman for area car dealer- ships which included McClintock Chevrolet in Stephentown and Thomas Ford in New Lebanon. He retired as Regional Sales Manager at Hellawell Cadillac Oldsmobile in Pittsfield in 1981. In 1983 he married the former Joyce Therrien of Pittsfield. After living for many years in New Lebanon, they moved to Middlefield, MA and then returned to Stephentown. Upon retirement, he and his wife Joyce began restoring neglected houses into lovely homes. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stephentown, where he served on the parish council. After his wife and family, his other true love was acting. At age 65, he auditioned for and was cast in a small role in the play "Marvin's Room" and a late-in-life career was born. Over the next 14 years, he performed in more than 20 plays with theater groups in Berkshire, Columbia and Rensselaer Counties, as well as the renowned Williamstown Theater Festival. He also took pleasure in performing as a member of the Mellodrama Singers. He was a devoted and loving husband to Joyce Therrien Griffin; father to Colleen Genovese (Robert), Richard Griffin, Jr., and Tim Griffin (Colleen Lekov); step-father to Valerie Boatwright and Michael Bresette; grandfather to Melissa and Stacey Genovese, Alyssa Griffin and Shannon Griffin, Lillian Boatwright, and Colleen and Lauren Bresette; great-grandfather to Barbara Claire Boatwright; and uncle to Valerie Nackout and Michael Griffin. Richard was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Genevieve ("Midge") Griffin, and brothers, Francis and David Griffin. FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 3, 2105 at 12 o'clock noon in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Stephentown, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown on Thursday, before the Mass, from 10 am to 11:30 a.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to Sonsoni Animal Shelter, 63 Downing Industrial Park, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or to the Sand Lake Center for the Arts (SLCA), PO Box 179, 2880 NY 43, Averill Park, NY 12018.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Sep. 2, 2015.
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I learned only today that Dick had passed away. We were both members of the illustrious Class of 1954 at New Lebanon Central School.

He was a good friend, a highly regarded member of our class and a top athlete in every sport.

May he rest in peace.

Tom Moran

October 25, 2015

Dear Joyce and the Griffin family- Griff came into our lives unexpectedly but significantly. My husband and I share your loss as he so touched our hearts that Christmas with Morrie! Our lives were so enriched by meeting him, you and your lovely family. I will never think of Christmas, manhatttans or the Sand Lake Ctr..without thinking of Griff and all of you. Much love to you and the family- Sharon and Tony from The Towne :)

September 13, 2015

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

September 7, 2015

My condolences to Dicks family and friends. I enjoyed Dicks sense of humor both on stage and off. I will remember his big belly laugh and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. His last performance was unbelievably touching. Rest in peace friend.

Vallis Goodermote

September 7, 2015

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

John Eastland

September 5, 2015

Joyce and family - Colleen

Cousins are special and he very special - I miss his laughter and the light in his eyes - He so good hearted and I am happy to have had him my whole life !!! I wish you comfort in this sad time

Remember our fun charades game Joyce !!!

Teresa (Donnelly) Keith

September 4, 2015

Sorry to hear of Dick's passing, great friend in years past, the last time I talked to Dick, he was in a play @ the Ghent Playhouse. We were friends during high school years, I went to Chatham High, fun times and good memories.

Sheila O'Connell Shaw, East Chatham

Sheila O'Connell Shaw

September 4, 2015

Kevin Barnes

September 4, 2015

Rest in pease my friend,To all im very sorry for your loss,he was a great guy
Kevin Barnes

September 4, 2015

Sorry for your loss. I knew Dick when we both worked for Hellawell Cadillac Olds in Pittsfield.

We enjoyed rotating card games at different players homes.

Dan Blakeney Pittsfield, Ma.

September 4, 2015

Richard and I were classmates in the delightfully unique class of 1954. He was smart, fun, and an outstanding athlete.
My condolences to his family.

Joan Hunter Wieber

September 3, 2015

Joyce & family,
We send our sympathy to all of you. Dick (as I knew him) was always a gentleman.
My late husband Jack Brazie & I had great times with him years ago during our Cub Scout Days. Dick was always an asset.
We also remember Dick from the days that he worked at McClintock Chevrolet dealership. He was a trusted salesperson.
My present husband & I have enjoyed many of the plays which Dick was in. Dick will be missed by many people that were in his life.

patricia Flint

September 3, 2015

From Charlene and Kenny Lopez. Sorry to here news about your father.

Charlene and kenneth Lopez

September 2, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss, Griffin family. I work at the Cumberland Farms and Richard became a part of my day at work. We would often tease one another about our baseball teams. All in good fun. He touched me and I will miss him. Sending much love and comfort to you.

Beth Heier

September 2, 2015

I'm so sorry for the passing of Dick. I enjoyed sharing a stage with him and catching up with him every time we crossed paths. He was a fun man who will be missed.

Jody Kordana

September 2, 2015

My condolences to you and your family Tim.

Michelle Plouffe

September 2, 2015

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

The Staff of Hall & Higgins Funeral Home

September 2, 2015

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Memorial Events
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Sep

3

Calling hours

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hall & Higgins Funeral Home

457 New York Route 43, Stephentown, NY 12168

Sep

3

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Stephentown, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Hall & Higgins Funeral Home

457 New York Route 43, Stephentown, NY 12168

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