Griffin Frank Reynold

Frank Reynold Griffin, 92, formerly of Monroe, New York, passed away in his present city of Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, July 20, 2017. Born on July 7, 1925, in Ft. Jennings, Ohio, he was the son of the late Howell and Ruth "Jane" Griffin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Peggy and brother, Roger Griffin. He married Peggy Gaunt Griffin in Monroe, New York, on October 25, 1953, where they lived for 57 years together before residing near his daughter and her family in Charlottesville, Virginia. Frank is survived by his daughters, Michelle Nikiforov and her husband, Andrey, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Pamela Merimsky and her husband, Howard, of Rochester, New York. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Griffin and his wife, Barbara, of North Bend, Oregon; and brother-in-law, David "Skip" Gaunt, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. Frank "Gramps" leaves behind his three adored grandchildren (Each being his favorite!), Lauren Merimsky of Boulder, Colorado, Kaitlin Nikiforov of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Bryan Merimsky of Boulder, Colorado; Todd Kasch, who was always part of the Griffin family, and several nieces and nephews with whom he was very close. Upon high school graduation, Frank enlisted in the Navy and proudly served in World War II from 1943 to 1946 as an Aviation Radioman stationed in the Philippines. Frank received his bachelor's degree from Arnold College in Milford, Connecticut, and began his teaching career in Warwick, New York. The majority of Frank's career took place in the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District where he took pride in his time spent as a physical education teacher and basketball coach. For decades, Frank directed the Summer Recreation Program for the town and village of Monroe, New York. Frank devoted countless hours with local youth through various sports and recreation related volunteer capacities. After retiring from teaching in 1989, Frank continued coaching for the M-W Central School District and was a USA Track and Field official in New York State. Frank was an avid supporter of high school and college athletics, and was an early advocate for women's participation in sports. In addition to sports, he was a prolific reader and lived a very happy and contented life. Frank greatly cherished the time spent with his family and friends, and they will certainly miss his gentle, kind demeanor. A celebration of life will be held at a later time in Monroe, New York. If desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Crozet branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, 2020 Library Ave., Crozet, VA 22932.