William T. Griffin

William Thomas Griffin, 80, a resident of Allenhurst, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey, with his loving wife of 47 years by his side.

William was born on October 28, 1945, in Orange, New Jersey, the beloved son of the late Marie Dolores (née Henderson) and Guy Bray Griffin.

William honorably served in the United States Navy, including active duty with Beach Jumper Unit 2 from 1968 to 1970, and continued in the reserves until 1972. He later carried forward his commitment to fellow servicemen as the Association Secretary-Treasurer from 2003 to 2005 and was a founding Plankowner of the Beach Jumpers Association. His strong sense of duty and patriotism remained a guiding force throughout his life.

William was a proud alumni of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's degree in Finance. He went on to build a distinguished career as a self-employed stockbroker spanning more than 30 years, working on the floor of the American Stock Exchange until his retirement in 2005.

While building his career in trading, William also devoted himself to public service, beginning as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad. He later advanced to serve as a paramedic with Saint Barnabas, and even after retiring, he remained committed to helping others through his work with the Allenhurst First Aid and Fire Rescue and the New Jersey State Exposition Authority. Fondly known as the "Happy Warrior," he was remembered for his ever-present smile and unwavering positive attitude.

A man of deep faith, William was a devoted longtime member of Our Lady of Peace Church in New Providence, where he faithfully served as both a trustee and a Eucharistic minister.

Above all, William was deeply devoted to his loving family. He dedicated time as a Boy and Girl Scout leader in New Providence, guiding, sparking curiosity, and encouraging his children and many other young people. He took great joy in yearly skiing trips with family and friends and treasured his time in Allenhurst, NJ, his happy place, surrounded by loved ones and the refreshing sea air.

He was the cherished husband of Susan (Menzel) Griffin; a devoted father to William John Griffin and his wife, Megan, and to Cynthia Griffin (Valente); and a proud grandfather to Sean, Julia, and Isabella Valente, and Thomas, Elizabeth, and Emilia Griffin. His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he treasured every moment he shared with them.

William will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous heart, sharp wit, and warm, infectious smile. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and devotion to others, along with his lifelong commitment to family, community, and service, will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, February 16th from 4:00-7:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17th at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South St., New Providence, NJ. Interment to immediately follow at St. Teresa's Cemetery, 136 Passaic Avenue, Summit, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Williams's memory to the American Heart Association by visiting heart.org or to The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey by visiting bianj.org.