Robert J. Griffin

Robert J. Griffin, 93, Aurora, passed away peacefully Monday, July 28, after a brief hospitalization. Born in 1932, the second of six children to Mary and George Griffin of Oswego, Bob graduated from Marmion Academy in Aurora and attended DeVry University, graduating in 1951.
After being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, Bob served during the Korean War. He married Patricia Masur on October 10, 1952, and the two raised nine children together in Aurora. Bob's strong work ethic developed at an early age, as a paperboy, detasseling corn, and working at the gravel pit with his dad. Faith, love, and hard work were key ingredients in Bob's upbringing, making for a beautiful and happy childhood that didn't have a lot in the way of material goods.
He retired in 1989 after 33 years with Illinois Bell, lending his expertise to his children and grandchildren, from electrical wiring and DIY projects. Retirement was full of traveling and fishing, including trips with his wife, his brother Bill and his wife Barb. The two couples traveled extensively together, from cruises and casinos. A high point was a second trip to Ireland, bringing Waterford Crystal angels back for each of their children.
The Griffin family home was host to annual Christmas Eve parties – until the family outgrew the living room – and countless backyard cookouts and extended family reunions – complete with picnic table games, yard games, and Wurst Kitchen brats. An avid reader, puzzler, devoted Jeopardy enthusiast, and Chicago Blackhawks, White Sox and Bears fan, Bob always had an opinion on how his favorite teams could improve.
Bob is preceded in death by "the absolutely most perfect wife, the best decision he ever made" of 64 years, Patricia (Patsy) in 2016, his parents, his brothers George (the late Sue) Griffin and Bill (the late Barb) Griffin, son Patrick Griffin, and grandson David Tierney.
He is survived by his eight children, Michael (Jane), Cathy (John) Long, Tim (Janis), Daniel (Mary Cochran), Terry (Suzette), Craig (Karolyn), Anne (Michael) Re, and Susan (Michael) Head, and daughter-in-law April Griffin; three sisters, Mary Ann (the late Bill) Sanders, Maureen (Dan) Sexton, and Kathleen (Tim) Yambor; and, Bob and Patsy were joyously proud grandparents to 27 and great grandparents to 27.
Visitation will take place from 1 P.M. until 5 P.M. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 A.M. at Annunciation Church, 1820 Church Rd, Aurora on Monday, August 4, 2025, followed by interment at Marywood Cemetery.