Donald L Griffin, II

Former Lieutenant Donald L. Griffin II, USN, passed away on 15 October 2022 at 57 years young. He was surrounded by his immediate family at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, MD. “Don” was born in Opelika, AL on 21 December 1964 to Donald and Doris (Johnson) Griffin. He distinguished himself as an Eagle Scout, and graduated from The Donoho School, Anniston, AL, before reporting to the Naval Academy with the great Class of 1987. As a Midshipman, Don was a company honor rep and was known for his love of rugby and alternative music. Don graduated from USNA with a B.S. in Systems Engineering, after which he proudly began his service as a Submarine Warfare Officer and a devoted husband. Don’s nuclear training took him from Orlando, FL, to Ballston Spa, NY, to Groton, CT. After his initial training, Don reported to the USS Whale (SSN-638) in Groton. Some of his proudest achievements aboard the USS Whale include qualifying as an Officer of the Deck, becoming a “Bluenose” in the Arctic Circle, and earning his coveted Gold Dolphins. In June of 1992, Don reported to the Defense Nuclear Agency in Alexandria, VA. While there, Don planned classified exercises, earned his M.B.A. from the University of Maryland, and even spent time in the U.S.S.R. during its dissolution. Don left the Navy in 1995, taking a position at the Department of Energy, later earning another Masters in IT. His civilian career took him to Cadence Design Systems, Hearst Corporation, Computer Science Corporation, and NYU Langone Medical Center. Don’s civilian career culminated with him as the VP and CTO of City of Hope.

Don is survived by his wife, Karine De Graw Griffin; sons, Zachary, Jared (Olivia), and Samuel Connor; mother, Doris Griffin; brother, Todd (Jennifer); in-laws, Jack and Gail De Graw Dobyns; Charles and Harley De Graw (Pam), and six nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Donald L. Griffin.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1500-1800, on 28 October 2022, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, MD. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 1400,  on 12 December 2022 at The Naval Academy Chapel. Following the service, Don’s remains will be committed to The Yard among his fellow alumni in accordance with his wishes. Don was “such an incredible soul” and “it was everyone who knew Don that was blessed beyond measure to call him their friend.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Paralyzed Veterans Association or the American Brain Tumor Association. The family wishes to thank the staff, especially the caregivers, at Berlin Nursing and Rehab Center (MD) and Upland Rehab and Care Center (CA).  Words cannot express our gratitude to the medical specialists for their expertise.  We are thankful for the VA who was instrumental in coordinating his care throughout the years.