David T. Griffith

1926 - 2018

OVID-David T. Griffith, age 92, longtime resident of West Seneca Street, passed away at Cayuga Ridge Nursing Center on Monday, December 10, 2018.

A Memorial Service to celebrate a life well lived, will be held at the Ovid Federated Church at 11 a.m. at on Saturday (December 15, 2018). A reception at the church will follow the memorial service.

Kindly consider a donation to the Edith B. Ford Memorial Library, PO Box 410, Ovid, NY 14521 or the Ovid Federated Church, PO Box 340, Ovid, NY 14521.

David was born on August 21, 1926 and was adopted as an infant, by sisters Charlotte and Elizabeth Griffith. He grew up in the Clifton Springs area and graduated from Geneva High School. He worked as a farmer in Seneca Falls and Hayts Corners, until he took a job at Ovid Central High School as a custodian, and then worked at BOCES in Ithaca until his retirement. Dave was a faithful member of the Ovid Federated Church, where he held many offices over his many decades of service. As a trustee of the Edith B. Ford Memorial Library, Dave was a strong supporter and volunteer for over 40 years. For many in Ovid, he was their "handyman", his patience and ability to take on small projects endeared him to countless families. Dave's commitment to his community was evidenced through his active volunteerism with the Lions Club, acting as Scoutmaster for Ovid's Troop 78, serving as mayor, and his staunch support of local high school athletics. He and his wife of 66 years, Phyllis, raised their family in Ovid and had many camping trips all over New York, but perhaps most fondly, to the Adirondacks. Camping remained one of their favorite family traditions until just a few years ago.

He is survived by his children Chris Willson of Romulus, Kevin (Colleen) Griffith of Greece; a sister, Lois Forman of Macedon; his grandchildren Tim (Karenda) Willson of Ga., Jeffrey (Alycia) Willson of Wash., Mandi Griffith-Gurell of Rochester, Michael (Christina) Griffith of Rochester, Riley Rust of Ontario and Rob McCulloch of Greece; and nine great-grandchildren.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his son, Timothy; his son-in-law, Bill Willson; a brother, John Griffith; and a nephew, Steve Griffith.