Timothy Patrick Griffin

Tim P. Griffin, 66, of Mission Viejo, California passed away due to complications from diabetes the morning of October 1, 2025.
Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, but raised in South Plainfield, by his parents, Eleanor and Harold (Griff) Griffin, he was the youngest of three children (and the most spoiled, can you tell it is his middle sister who is writing this obituary?). Even as a young child Tim was brimming with an incredible amount of energy, loved getting into mischief, and loved making people laugh. He was a true and loyal friend still maintaining a close friendship with extended family members, his many friends that he knew from elementary school and high school, and friends that he made when he moved to California.
It was in California where Tim ran into Joy Brandel when she was leaving a nightclub. He told me he knew when he first saw her that she would be the love of his life. Tim and Joy would be together for 12 years before finally deciding to legally get married on New Year's Eve 2000 in Maui, Hawaii (and if you knew Tim you know that it was very fitting for him to get married on New Year's Eve).
Tim had his own business for many years in California installing and refinishing customized hardwood floors. When he retired he was able to spend more time with his precious rescue dogs that he loved, and which allowed him and Joy to travel extensively. Not only did they travel within the United States they also traveled to Canada, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, and down the Rhine River through the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Austria (the last trip being his favorite).
Tim is survived by his wife Joy of Mission Viejo, and three doggies Hope, Lola, and Ellie, his favorite sister Karen Griffin of Lincoln, Nebraska, Maureen Griffin and brother-in-law Michael Deterding of Flemington, New Jersey, and Step-daughter Tami Brandel, Maui, Hawaii.
A celebration of life is being planned for some time in the future. In lieu of flowers, Tim would ask that people donate to your local animal rescue organization.