Michael J. Griffin

Michael J. Griffin, 77, of Oakland, Maine, passed away on February 10, 2026, in Elmira, New York, following a brief illness. He was born on June 13, 1948, in Camden, New Jersey. The oldest of six children, Michael spent much of his childhood living in various locations across the United States and Japan due to his father’s service in the U.S. Navy.

He attended high school at Gilmore Academy in Ohio and went on to study chemistry and philosophy at Boston College. After college, he earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. While at Jefferson, he played rugby and met a fellow student, Margaret (“Meg”). Shortly after graduation, they married and moved west to Portland, Oregon, where Michael completed his residency in internal medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital. During their memorable years on the West Coast, Mike embraced the outdoors, climbing Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens, and completing a marathon in Eugene, Oregon. 

Following residency, Mike and Meg relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic. While in Cleveland, they welcomed their first child, Joseph (JB). After his fellowship, the couple settled in Waterville, Maine, where they would live for more than 40 years and raise their two children. Shortly after arriving in Waterville, they welcomed their daughter, Judith. 

Mike founded Mid Maine Gastroenterology and served on the medical staff at Mid Maine Medical Center, including a term as Chief of the Medical Staff. He played an integral role in the growth of the medical center, which later became Maine General. A dedicated member of the community, he also served on the board of the United Way of Waterville.

Mike shared his love of adventure and nature with his children. Winters were spent skiing at Sugarloaf, and summers were filled with swimming, boating, and gathering with friends on the Belgrade Lakes. He loved the water and seized every opportunity to swim in the lake, body surf at the beach, or scuba dive. A devoted father, he took great pride in supporting his children’s pursuits—cheering from the sidelines at soccer and hockey games and attending concerts and theater performances. In later years, he developed a passion for woodworking and found great joy in crafting furniture for friends and family.

In retirement, Mike and Meg continued their spirit of exploration, traveling widely. They journeyed to Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands, visited Turkey, and traveled to Tanzania to see their son-in-law during his Peace Corps service. They explored Cambodia and Vietnam, returned to Japan, and, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, ventured to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to see the ancient sites Mike had read about as a curious child. Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren and delighted in sharing stories and adventures with them.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Meg; his children, Joseph and Judith (Matthew); his grandchildren, Beatrice and Abraham; his five siblings, Patty, Dennis, Christopher, Timothy, and Peter; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to the Alfond Youth & Community Center in Waterville. A celebration of life will be held in August.