Durango, Colorado
1943 - 2017
Samuel W. Griffith (age 74) of Austin, TX and Durango, CO, passed away from internal hemorrhage and cancer on September 28, 2017, in Durango, CO, with his loving wife at his side. Sam is survived by his wife of 36 years, Leonora Branca, and three stepchildren, William Wade (Susan) of Washington,...
Read MoreRemembering Sam brings back many warm memories of our time together at Maryland and later in Germany. Sam was a fine officer and a loyal friend.
Harold Mills
September 28, 2025 | Friend
Great guy generous friend. Harold Mills Maryland Class of 1965
Harold Mills
September 28, 2022
Sam was a tremendous guy, great laugh, great leader and an unselfish friend. We were classmates at Maryland graduating in 1965 and participated in AFROTC where Sam was a Cadet Colonel.
Harold Mills
September 28, 2021 | Friend
Thank you fir the reminder of Dans passing. I am fortunate to have known a great man like Sam and to still be alive.
Harold Mills
September 28, 2019 | Columbia
I knew Sam at the University of Maryland where we particpated in many cadet activities. He was a natural leader that had a full measure of disipline and kindness towards everyone. I remember him especially for his easy way and eternal good humor. God speed big guy and see you on the other side!
Rix Mills
April 19, 2018 | Covington, TN
Sam Griffith as Cadet Commander, Cadet Leadership Academy, University of Maryland
Rix Mills
April 18, 2018
Leonora and family,
My deepest sympathy with your loss of Sam. There was a notice in the University of Maryland ODK newsletter I received this week which caught my eye about Sam passing.
I knew Sam in AFROTC at Maryland and we served together for a couple of years at HQ USAFE in Wiesbaden, Germany in the 1966-1969 period. I also saw him a few times later when I was in DC and he was working for the Federal Reserve.
Sam was a good friend to his friends and a very talented...
Harold Mills
April 18, 2018 | Columbia, SC
Dear Leonora, I was so shocked and saddened to read of Sam's passing. He was such a sweet and kind man with a great bass voice, and everyone in I Cantori liked him so much. God bless you at this difficult time.
Sandy Pratt
October 20, 2017 | Carmel, CA
Leonora,
Sandy & I were truly saddened to read Sam's obituary,
as emailed us by Leslie Mulford. Please accept our condolences and prayers that Sam is now in a more comfortable home with God. We miss you and hope life with your stepchildren and grandchildren is providing much joy to your life.
Sandy & Bob Rice, Monterey, CA
October 13, 2017
