Thomas Griffiths

Griffiths, Thomas A.
Thomas Albert "Tom" Griffiths was, above all else, steadfast in his commitment to family, friends, and basketball, passed away on Monday June 27, 2016 at his home in Southport. Tom grew up on Taft Avenue in a home that would include four generations of family. Tom's oldest children spent a lot of their childhood in this home as well. In his life, he had the good fortune never to be without loyal family members. Even the most devoted family could not shelter Tom from the loss of his brother Joe in 1965, which left an indelible scar in the family, one that marked each member's life but that ultimately helped to define their impermeable bond. At the time of his death, Joe was a basketball player at Sacred Heart University, and Tom had the honor in more recent years of presenting a scholarship award in his brother's name at SHU. Tom reflected often on a boyhood spent in the beautiful new North End Boy's Club, and he expressed that gratitude by serving on the Board of Directors. After he graduated from Bullard Havens, Tom served in the U.S. Navy, servicing some of the first nuclear submarines in New London, and on the USS Fulton during the Cuban missile crisis. When he returned to Bridgeport, he joined the police department. In 1985, he retired as an acting Lieutenant after 20 years' of service. Throughout his life, he was an avid sports fan and basketball player, which led to his coaching many adult and youth teams at St. Raphael's and Our Lady of Good Council churches. He also successfully coached Jr. and Sr. leagues for the BPT Rec Dept. and led several JCC small man teams to tournament championships. In 1977, Tom was Assistant Varsity coach at BPT Central High School under Jim Dobbs during their championship year, and he also played and coached the Bridgeport Industrial League. Tom became Emmett Spillane's NEBA Leagues general manager. He demonstrated his commitment to the community, family and the game by mentoring Bridgeport youth and with his sons' and granddaughter's teams. Tom felt an affinity towards his Irish roots, particularly its music, throughout his life. He loved to walk great distances, whether on Westport Beaches or the streets of Sao Paolo, where he lived with his late wife Jeannine and his son Brian. Tom enjoyed military documentaries and history, a passion he shared with his grandson, and had an unwavering loyalty to the Cleveland Browns. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph and his wife Jeannine. He is survived by his three children: Dr. Jennifer L. Griffiths of Hamden, Thomas E. Griffiths of Middletown, and Brian T. Griffiths of Miami, FL; one sister, Elaine Suntag and husband Michael of Stratford; two grandchildren: Rody Conway and Helaine Griffiths; one aunt, Margaret Doolan of Trumbull; and two nephews: Aaron and Matthew Suntag. Friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Friday July 1, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick RC Church, Bridgeport. Interment will be private. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of ones choice in Tom's name. To light a candle or leave a condolence on line go to www.larsonfh.com www.larsonfh.com