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St Ignatius High School Xavier University

Gary Griffin Obituary

Gary Michael Griffin, 63, passed away Jan. 22 in Los Angeles after a long fight with cancer. Gary was born in Chicago as the third of five children of John and Margaret (Corbally) Griffin. He grew up in Forest Park & Oak Park and was a longtime resident of the North Side of Chicago. He was a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep ('68) and Xavier University ('72) and was a lifelong supporter of both. After a career in advertising, he earned his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law. He joined the Illinois Tollway Authority, then moved to the Illinois Attorney General's Office and for the past 13 years served as the Chief of the General Bureau. Gary was a devoted sports fan, particularly of the White Sox and Xavier basketball, and was an avid movie and music fan. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Kenneth, and is survived by his loving mother, his sisters Joyce and Kathy, his brother John and sister-in-law Jennifer (Stebbing), niece Claire & nephew John, and many cousins. He will be dearly missed by many close friends, in particular the Cushing & Duff families. A memorial service and celebration are TBA.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Griffin

42 Entries

Kathy Murphy

January 21, 2025

It´s hard to believe it´s been 11 years Gary. You once told someone, it may have been Joyce, that you wanted to be remembered. Well, you are & will always be, with love & an appreciation of your great (& wicked) sense of humor.
Love,
Kathy, cousin in good standing.

Larry Whaln

January 20, 2021

I continue to miss my lifelong friend, and control honor his legacy.

Bill Hinsdale

August 14, 2014

I'm sorry your gone, we had great fun and conversation at St Ignatius, take care, Bill Hinsdale, Class of 1968, St Ignatius High School

John O'Leary

March 4, 2014

I always enjoyed running into Gary. Just a good, solid guy who was fun to be around.

Peter Daly

March 1, 2014

Sorry to hear about the death of my classmate from St. Ignatius. I will offer mass for him.
Fr. Peter Daly "68 St. Ignatius
Prince Frederick, MD

Lori Corral Bolas

February 20, 2014

Dear Griffin Family,
I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. I just want to say to Gary's mom - Thank you. Thank you for such an amazing man. I worked with Gary for eight years at the Attorney General's office. Besides being such an incredible resource to me, he made me laugh so hard that I cried - so many many times. His sense of humor was so uplifting - but he was more than a funny man - he was a great man, kind and generous of spirit. Please know we are praying for your family. Miss you Gary - thanks for everything!

February 20, 2014

My sincere condolences to Gary's family and close friends. I just learned of his passing. I worked with him at the Attorney General's office many years ago - and he would literally make me laugh so hard that I'd cry. He was such a wonderful, smart and wickedly funny person. His wit and gift of making people laugh around him will always be remembered.

February 19, 2014

What a great dude. Gar, you will be missed.Always a fun time with you.

February 14, 2014

"My deepest condolences." to the Griffin family. It was truly a pleasure to have known and to have worked with Gary. I will miss his humor, smiling face and the conversations we shared when we bumped into each other on the brown line. -Georgia Winners

February 12, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Griffin family. I just heard of "Moose's" passing and feel so sad. I met him when I used to come to the Indy 500 in the 1990's. I remember the first year we met Moose in Noblesville when he was visiting his equally over the top Xavier fan friend, Greg. Moose was immediately a hit with all of us as he was so fun to be with; fun to talk to and had this amazing wit about him. I always hoped he would be one of the guests coming to the Indy 500 the years we trucked up there from the DC area as he was one of the highlights of going to the crazy race weekend. He was a nice man who did love his family and was not afraid to talk about his feelings...a rare breed of man. He will be missed by many!
Patricia Casey

Melissa Childs

February 6, 2014

With the Griffin family and friends, I share deep sorrow that Gary is gone too soon but great appreciation that he was a big presence in so many lives. Gary, the man who gave me my first job as a real lawyer and encouraged me to be fearless. He was such a lovely man, with tremendous wit, always a bright spot in everyone's day. I especially enjoyed listening to him talk about his family with so much love and pride in all of your achievements, big and small. God speed Moose, and bottoms up on the back nine.

David Wilson

February 6, 2014

I had the pleasure of running into Gary off and on at the office. I also enjoyed a few rounds of golf and got to see a different side. In either setting, Gary could only be described as a genuine class act. He will certainly be missed by everyone. Condolences and best wishes to all.

Susan Budzileni

February 5, 2014

Dear Gary Griffin's Family:
It was a pleasure working with and knowing Gary. He was a funny and magnetic guy who will be missed immensely. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Jill Horwich

February 1, 2014

My deepest condolences to Gary's family. There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. He was just the dearest and bravest man. It was a privilege to be his friend, one that I will always cherish. May his memory be for a blessing to the Griffin family.

Mary Fabbrini

January 31, 2014

Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Larry Whalen

January 30, 2014

I will be spending much time thinking of and missing a life-long friend who did so much good and touched so many.

Sean Conway

January 29, 2014

This world is not as funny, interesting and warm without him. He was the best and is greatly missed.

Jonathan Stringer

January 29, 2014

Like all, I was very sorry to learn of Gary's passing. He was a great boss and a good man that always made you laugh about something. My prayers are with his family.

Janet Fasano, AAG

January 29, 2014

He was one of the finest men I've ever known. We will miss him very much.

Evelyn Sanguinetti

January 28, 2014

Before becoming Bureau Chief, Gary was a street fighting AAG like the rest of us whom earned our respect. His personality and character earned our love.

Brad Halloran

January 28, 2014

I relished the times I ran into Gary in and around the Thompson Center. He was always upbeat and made me laugh whatever the topic of conversation. Gary was the best and we are all better off having known him. My condolences to Gary's family.

Stacey Shepard

January 28, 2014

Gary was the first real boss I ever had & was an incredible mentor. He was an amazing person & will be greatly missed!

Yolanda and Steven Ricks

Yolanda Ricks

January 28, 2014

I will miss Gary so much. My prayers go out to his entire family. I first met Gary in 2001, when I was one of his first hires when he was named Bureau Chief of General Law at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. RIP Forever. - Yolanda Ricks

Charlie Rego

January 27, 2014

Gary was my fisrt boss and truly a great and caring man. Gary rest in peace.

Charlie Rego

Celina Stearney Radtke

January 27, 2014

Gary was a beloved boss, mentor and friend...an amazing soul. He would effortlessly light up a room with his smile and quick wit. I will miss him dearly.

Tom Theisen

January 27, 2014

Very sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was someone, while I didn't see him often, whose company was so pleasant and genuine when I had the opportunity to hang out with. My condolences to his family and his many friends who are better off for having known him but who are missing him now.

Iain Johnston

January 27, 2014

Moose was the best.

Molly Mason

January 27, 2014

Dear Griffin family -

Gary and I attended law school together and kept in touch thereafter. As you already know, he had an incredible sense of humor and an amazing memory for movies. What you might not know is how often and how affectionately he spoke of his mother and his late father. I admired his resilience - it was only when I specifically inquired about his health that he would make any complaints. He will be greatly missed.

Josh Bobinger

January 27, 2014

I've never met Gary in person but I've chatted with him so much about Xavier Basketball on his website that I feel like I've lost a friend. Gary, you will be missed by so many. Rest in peace.

January 27, 2014

Dear Griffin Family:

I had the pleasure of working with Gary many years ago and stayed in touch with him during his illness. I know that he had been having a very tough time lately but was shocked to hear of his passing. He is in a better place now, one we all strive to see. Memories of Gary will be forever etched in my mind. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Jim Carroll

Ed (muskieman) Hamann

January 26, 2014

Rest in Peace my friend and classmate (72). Musketeermadness wll not be the same without our Mr Neutral. I always enjoyed your sense of humor and your perspective when I had cancer. I only wish you had been as luck as me. I am sure we will meet again and until then "all for one and one for all" Moose. Keep a tee time in our name ready. I will pray for your family in their time of grief and hope they will keep in mind that you will never leave them because you will be with them because they hold you in their hearts and minds.

Robert Jones

January 26, 2014

Rest well for eternity, my friend. See you soon.

Sheree Pintozzi-Bredow

January 26, 2014

The entire Griffin family is in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Gary.

Jim Hicks

January 26, 2014

I met Gary by chance at the Lake Bluff golf course this past summer and ended up playing golf with him. Clearly he loved playing golf. He was very candid about his battle with cancer and I can only hope I could be as brave and resilient in the face of such trying circumstances. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Linda Whiteside

January 26, 2014

Dear Kathy, Maggie, and the entire Griffin family ... I am so very sorry for your loss. You have all been in my prayers during this sad time. Hoping you have measure of peace and comfort. <3

Linda Whiteside

January 26, 2014

Dear Kathy, Maggie, and the entire Griffin family ... I am so very sorry for your loss. You have all been in my prayers during this sad time. Hoping you have measure of peace and comfort. <3

January 26, 2014

May persevering in prayer comfort you and your family. Romans 12:12. N.S.

Robert E. Hamilton

January 26, 2014

Gary sat in front of me in high school and I have always remembered him fondly. We played golf last summer with some other classmates and I still vividly remember his great sense of humor and joyful attitude. He was a pleasure to be with. My condolences to his entire family.

Ron Stearney Jr.

January 26, 2014

Gary was my first boss and I cannot remember a time when he did not have a smile on his face. He was a great teacher, a dedicated public servant, a good person and someone who I will never forget. I am very sad that he is gone.

Deborah Marcucci

January 26, 2014

Everyone who crossed paths with Gary will sorely miss him. May you be comforted by your beautiful memories. God bless you!

Tom Tobin

January 25, 2014

I wish to express my sorrow to Gary's family. Gary was one of the better people I met during my life. I will miss him as will everyone else who knew him.

Luanne Galovich

January 25, 2014

My condolences to the Griffin family. Gary was an excellent lawyer and a fine man. He will be greatly missed.

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