Name: Calling hours for David J. Griffith
Start: 2023-01-29T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-29T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Connell Funeral Home, Inc.

Colonel David J. Griffith, Jr., USA, Retired, 72, of Orefield, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Born on December 12, 1950, in Coaldale, he was the son of the late David J. and Elizabeth (Petras) Griffith, Sr.

A graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School's Class of 1968, David went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1973. Col. Griffith is a graduate of the Army Airborne School, Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced courses, the Tactical Intelligence Course, the Command and General Staff Course and the Army War College.

Col. Griffith's significant military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.

Following his graduation from West Point, David served on active duty for six years in the United States Army. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, he served twenty-four years with the Army National Guard, retiring as Colonel and Commander of Pennsylvania's 28th Infantry Division DISCOM. In civilian life, David was employed in the cement industry in international project sales and retired from FL Smidth Company as a National Sales Director in 2013.

David served as the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Directors for Bethlehem Catholic High School. As an avid supporter of Bethlehem Catholic athletics, he served as coaching support for various sports teams.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son: Michael Ryan Griffith; and his sister: Elizabeth Griffith.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly fifty years: Susan (Gorzelic) Griffith, one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, on Sunday, January 29, 2023, from 2:00 until 4:00pm. On Monday, January 30, a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30am at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1879 Applewood Dr, Orefield, PA 18069.

Interment, with military honors, will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, 547 North Krocks Road, Allentown.

To share condolences with David's family, visit www.connellfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Jan. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for David Griffith

Sponsored by Connell Funeral Home, Inc..

10 Entries

John Kearney

January 29, 2023

Susan, I offer my sincerest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathies.
On the mountain Jesus proclaimed his beatitudes including "Blessed be they who mourn, for they shall be comforted". As Dave earns his wings he will be your guardian angel. No longer a visable spouse or dad, he will watch over and guide you as you recall his words of wisdom.
I played 4 years of high school basketball as well as numerous youth league teams with Dave. I remember his dads Caddilacs.
Mutual friends have made the comment and I agree, "Dave was one of the good guys".
John Kearney
BC '68
Gainesville, FL

Anonymous

January 28, 2023

Thank you for your service sir. Rest In Peace. Condolences to the family.

Kevin Schnieders

Planted Trees

SGM DONALD L. WUNDERLER SR. RED..

January 28, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Papola Deborah J.

January 28, 2023

My heart goes out to the family. My memories of Dave are all good with much laughter. May those memories sustain you during this time and always.

Jerry Smith

January 27, 2023

God bless you for a life well lived and for the many people you befriended over so many years. You were greatly respected and appreciated. It was an honor to serve with you and treasure the memories of sharing stories and listening to your well meaning guidance. Rest in peace my fine sir.

Mary Lou Eddinger

January 27, 2023

Dear Sue: Jim and I are saddened at the loss of your beloved husband, and we send our love and hugs to you and your family.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand!
Jim and Mary Lou Phillips

Sandra Hippert

January 27, 2023

Thank you for your service .

Robert J. Miklas, AT2AC, USN, 1963-1967.

January 27, 2023

With your rucksack in hand you are to report for your new duty station . You are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The bugle has sounded and taps is about to sound on a successful and rewarding career. We all are grateful to you for stepping up to the plate when your country needed you the most. The volley is about to sound for your last departure. A Navy Vietnam Veteran.

Grateful

January 26, 2023

Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

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