Lawrence Joseph Griffin

OLD TOWN - Lawrence Joseph Griffin, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, surrounded by family. He was born Sept. 7, 1923, the son of James Lawrence and Mary Josephine (O'Connor) Griffin, both Irish immigrants. He grew up in Jamaica Plain, Mass., and graduated from Boston College High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in France, Belgium and Germany as a member of the 158th Combat Engineers. He was being re-deployed to Japan when the World War II ended. Lawrence graduated from Boston College in 1949 under the G.I. Bill. He then obtained a master's degree in psychology from Fordham University. He worked as a psychologist in youth services in Massachusetts and Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. After reading Thomas Merton's "The Seven Story Mountain," he became a trappist monk. He left the monastery after two years and went to Fort Kent to teach high school. In Fort Kent, he met his wife, Lorraine, and started a family. He left Fort Kent to attend Harvard University, where he earned a master's degree in education. He taught at Orono High School for 29 years, retiring in 1988. He taught for six years at University College after retirement. Lawrence early on discovered the value of exercise for physical and mental well-being and ran his first marathon at age 55. He was a man of strong faith who strove to translate faith into action. He was a hospice volunteer, among other volunteer activities. Lawrence is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine; and his children, Mary and her husband, Early Cooper, Joseph, Catherine, Paul and his fiancee, Julia Malloy, Eileen and her husband, Carter Friend, Michael and Patty. He has three grandchildren, beloved and perfect in his eyes, Keely and Marlee Griffin, and Connor Friend. He is also survived by one brother, John R. Griffin and his wife, Barbara; his sister-in-law, Connie Griffin; many nieces and nephews. His brother, James, predeceased him. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday at Resurrection Parish, Holy Family, Old Town, with the Rev. Bill Labbe, celebrant. Immediately after the service all are invited to a light luncheon and continued fellowship at the parish hall. Interment will be at a later date at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services, 228 Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201.