Richard Bruce Griffith

Dr. Richard "Dick" Bruce Griffith (May 25, 1947 - September 7, 2025), age 78, died peacefully in Altamonte Springs, FL. He was born in Lansing, MI to Elsie and Hubert Griffith. The youngest of three boys, Dick was raised in Michigan. He graduated from Everett High School in 1965 and joined the Marines in the midst of the Vietnam War. He went through basic training at Camp Pendleton and was stationed at Marine Air Station Cherry Point and Naval Air Station Jacksonville before being transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station Kanehoe Bay in Hawaii. It was here that Dick developed a love of the tropics, surfing, and knowledge. He began taking college courses at the University of Hawaii, and upon leaving the Marine Corps, continued his education at Central Michigan University. At CMU, he met his future wife, Karen. They married on August 10, 1974. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, then went on to receive a Master's degree in Research Methods and Specialist degree in School Psychology. Later, he continued his pursuit of knowledge and obtained his Doctorate degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in School Neuropsychology in 1995. Dick worked as a psychologist in the public schools for nearly 40 years before retiring. Along the way, he and Karen built a beautiful life together: they moved from Michigan to Florida, made lifelong friends, had two children, and traveled the world together. He got promoted to Grandpa and welcomed three grandchildren who adored him. Dick was the life of the party who always had a funny story, a cold beer, or a listening ear for anyone who needed one. He sought out knowledge and constantly worked to educate himself on the world around him. He read the newspaper from front to back daily, immersed himself in research about astrophysics and outer space, and visited 6 of 7 continents, including Antarctica. He enjoyed sports, a good steak, and spending time with his loved ones. He and Karen recently celebrated 51 years of marriage surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Doug. He is survived by his brother (Alan), his wife, his daughter (Cassondra/Mauricio Chacon), his son (Robert/Weslyna), and three beautiful grandchildren (Mateo, Quinton, and Indiana). A memorial celebration will be held to honor Dick's life and presence here on earth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Association.