Richard D. Griffin Sr., 83

 

Richard Griffin Sr.

Richard Griffin Sr.

NAPLES — Mr. Richard D. “Brownie” Griffin Sr., 83, of Peabody, Mass., died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

He was the husband of Beverley A. “Chubby” (Glencross) Griffin, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

A lifelong resident of Peabody, he was the son of the late George D. and Marie (Gelineau) Griffin. He attended St. John’s Grammar School in Peabody, and was a graduate of Peabody High School, Class of 1951. He also attended Wentworth College and took classes at MIT and Northeastern University. Richard very proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, stationed on the USS Carter Hall (LSD-3).

A talented welder and craftsman, Richard was also known as “Dick the Welder.” Over 50 years ago, Richard founded his company, “Dick the Welder,” in Peabody, now operated by his son Michael. He also taught welding at North Shore Technical School in Beverly in the early 1980s.

He enjoyed his vacation home on Sebago Lake, and spent many happy days at the Lodge, fishing, boating and telling entertaining stories. A talented woodworker, he enjoyed country music, western movies, and history. He was well-known for his incredible work ethic, his sense of humor and his friendly manner. Above all, he did everything he could to make wonderful memories for his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Atty. Beverley A. Griffin-Dunne, a member of the Peabody School Committee, and her husband Robert of Peabody, Maryann W. Griffin of Augusta, Maine, and Patricia A. Zalewski and her husband Steven of Peabody; two sons, Richard D. Griffin Jr. of Naples, Maine and Michael J. Griffin and his wife Jana of Middleton, Mass. He was beloved “Buppa” to his seven grandchildren, Brian, Maureen, MaryCatherine and Sarah Dunne, Cheyenne and Thomas Zalewski, and Nora Griffin. He was also survived by his brother, Joseph Griffin and his wife Evelyn of Peabody; his sister Ruth Bonfanti of Gloucester, Mass., as well as his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews and all their families; and by his many friends. He also leaves his well-loved dog, Seamus. He was the brother of the late George “Mickey” Griffin, Edith Griffin-Fournier, Florence Pouliout, Marguerite Joyce and Patricia Lawrence.

Richard’s Memorial Mass was held on Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m., in St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut St., Peabody, Mass. Burial followed in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited. Visitation was held from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the Church, prior to the Mass. A Celebration of Life was held, following his burial, at the AOH Hall, Lowell Street, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to treat and find a cure for cancer to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Arrangements by the Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129), Lynn, Mass. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com