Garry Lee Griffith

Our big brother, Garry Griffith, 84 years old, passed away on November 2 at Valley View nursing home. 

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Florence and Tex Griffith, sister Kay Bowman, brother David Griffith, and his long time friend, Doug Lane.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary Lynn Francisco (Mike), Jane Griffith, Rita Buyze (Dan) Stephanie Holes (Jim) and many nephews and nieces.

Garry worked in the hotel business in Chicago, Illinois as a night auditor, controller, and traveled to different cities for the Sheraton Hotel Chain. He then switched to Holiday Inn Chain for many years. Later in life, he wanted something different and began working for the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Starting out as an auditor there, he decided it was time for something different, and asked to be put in their kitchen. Garry was a gourmet cook and made desserts for the elaborate events at the museum. The administration decided to send him to Culinary Institute of Arts to further his ability of baking. He went back to the Joslyn after the 6-week course, and continued permanently in the place he loved the most, the kitchen.

He had many talents; oil painter, acrylics painter, water colorist, drawer, and cake decorator. Garry was cherished by his sisters, and thankful he passed on his artistic talents to them. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Garry’s memory to Valley View Manor nursing home in Norwich, NY, Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY, and Bangs Ambulance, Ithaca NY. There will be a private ceremony with family and friends.