Alfred D. GRIFFEN

GRIFFEN, Alfred D.

Alfred D. Griffen, 86, of Wethersfield and formerly of Newington, Sarasota, Florida and Danby, Vermont, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, May 17, 2013. Born on December 21, 1926 in Hartford, Alfred was the son of the late Howard and Blanche (Brouder) Griffen and the husband of Elinor (Belanger) Griffen for 39 wonderful years. Alfred graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford Class of 1944. After high school he entered the service during World War II and proudly served his country as a member of the U. S. Navy. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 40+ years of employment as a West Hartford mail carrier. An avid and talented golfer, "Griff" also worked at the Wethersfield Country Club, Rock Ledge and Tumblebrook in West Hartford, and told many funny golf stories. Alfred is also survived by his daughter, Terri Griffen Smith of Sunnyvale, CA, his son, Alfred D. Griffen, Jr. and wife, Mary of Southington, his stepchildren: Deborah Durgin and husband Lee of Wethersfield, John and BethAnn Rhines of East Hampton, Polly Bothfeld and Guy of Vernon, and his siblings: Jean Roy of Newington, and Betty Ann Montstream and Gerry of Florida; his grandchildren: Ida Rhea Smith of Sunnyvale, CA, and Michael Griffen of Southington, his step grandchildren, Robert and Steven Durgin, John, Jeffrey and Roy Rhines, his great grandson, Christopher Robin Smith and step great grandchildren, Claire, Zachary and William Rhines; his sister-in-law, Mildred Rhines of Wethersfield and her sons, Christopher and Thomas Rhines, as well as many other nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by his brothers Howard Griffen and Robert Griffen, his sister, Blanche Otto, his step-daughter, Marlene Rhines Shaner and step-grandson William Enright. Al, "the music man," enjoyed seeing broadway musicals and he loved all kinds of music.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., on Friday, May 24th, 2013, from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services in celebration of Al's life will follow at 11 a.m. at Newington Memorial. Committal services will be in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Center, #3 Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share a memory with the family, please visit:www.newingtonmemorial.com.