Dr. Martin G. Griffith

Dr. Martin G. Griffith, 85, of Westfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Martin was the son of Dr. John Q. Griffith, Jr., and Constance (Jankauskas) Griffith. He spent his formative years in Margate, New Jersey, alongside his siblings, John Q. Griffith III and Constance Bonwit. Known affectionately as "Marty" to friends and family, he lived a life marked by intellectual achievement, deep devotion to loved ones, and a joyful embrace of life's adventures.

Marty met the love of his life, Rosemary, in 1970 through a local skiing club. Their story began on the slopes of Vermont, where he came to her aid after she broke her leg. That act of kindness sparked a lifelong relationship, and they were married later that year. Together, they built a beautiful life in Westfield, raising three children-Lisa, Christopher, and David-with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

A brilliant chemical engineer and research chemist, Marty earned his undergraduate degree from Haverford College and went on to receive dual PhDs from Penn State University. His distinguished career at ExxonMobil spanned decades, during which he was awarded multiple patents and made significant contributions to the field of industrial lubricants and crude assays.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marty was a man of many passions. He cherished time with his family, enjoying fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, making wine, ballroom dancing, and country western music. He traveled extensively with his wife and spent summers vacationing at the Jersey Shore. An avid runner, he completed many marathons, including the Boston Marathon, The Marine Corps Marathon and New York City Marathon-testaments to his determination and zest for life.

Marty was a devoted parishioner and volunteer at Saint Helen's Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, where his faith and gentle spirit touched many.

He is predeceased by his parents and siblings, Constance Bonwit and John Q. Griffith III (Catherine). He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rosemary; his children, Lisa Iredell (Kevin), Christopher Martin Griffith (Varatana), and David Griffith; and his cherished grandchildren, Erin Iredell, Sarah Iredell, and Annabel Griffith.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, from 4–8 PM at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield, NJ. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 10th, at 11:30 AM at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Ave., Westfield, NJ. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Marty's legacy of kindness, brilliance, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.