John Joseph Griffin

Attorney John Joseph Griffin, 89 July 26, 2015 Attorney John Joseph Griffin, 89, of Lake Wesauking, PA, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2015 at Towanda Memorial Hospital. John was born in Sayre, PA on April 23, 1926, the son of the late John E. Griffin and Mary Carroll Griffin. He was a graduate of St. Agnes High School Class of 1944. In May 1944, John enlisted in the Army Air Force serving his country as a B 29 Flight Engineer during World War II. John was part of the 39th Bombardment Group 60th Squadron stationed at a base located in Guam. He flew 25 combat missions and 7 rescue missions in the Pacific. John received an honorable discharge from the Army Air Force on February 21, 1946. He received numerous decorations and citations for his war service including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Stars, and Victory Medal. After completing his military service, John entered St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. John continued his education at the Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA, graduating with a J.D. in 1953. John returned to Towanda where he began 42 successful years of practicing law. He first associated with Attorney Romeyn F. Culver. Later Attorney Marshall Dawsey joined the firm and the firm name became Griffin & Dawsey, beginning a long professional and brother-like partnership. Over the years the addition of Attorney Ray DePaola and Attorney Chris Jones formed the firm now known as Griffin, Dawsey, DePaola & Jones, located at 101 Main Street, Towanda. John retired in 1996. During high school and college, John worked during vacation periods, weekends and summers for the American Stores Co., the J.J. Newbury Co. and Ingersoll-Rand. After passing the postal service examinations, he worked as a substitute clerk carrier out of the Towanda post office. On September 14, 1957, John married the late Agnes Hoffman Griffin. John and Aggie began their life together on Second Street in Towanda, PA. Their family quickly grew and in 1969, John and Aggie, along with their seven children, moved to Myersburg, PA. John will be remembered for his commitment to family and community. He was a devoted husband, supportive father, proud grandfather, loving brother, uncle and cousin. His compassion, honesty, generosity and unselfishness extended beyond family; reaching out to friends and others in need was one of his greatest attributes. John held numerous past leadership roles in the community, including: President and member of the Bradford County Bar Association, Chairman and Board member of the Towanda Memorial Hospital, Board member of the First National Bank of Bradford County, and President of the Towanda Ambulance Association. He was also instrumental in the implementation of the Northern Tier Career Center and the Sayre House. John was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. At the time of his death, John was a director and the Chairman Emeritus of Tuscarora Mutual Insurance Company. He provided leadership and vision for 46 years, 32 of which he served as Board Chairman. In February of this year he resigned as Chairman and assumed the role of Chairman Emeritus. When not working, John enjoyed spending time with people, whether one-on- one or with a group. People gravitated towards him because of his quick wit and magnetic personality. John was an avid skier and golfer. He enjoyed his winters at his home in Beaver Creek, Colorado and spent his summers on the golf course at Eagles Mere Country Club. Surviving are his children Carroll (Glenn) Wert, Eileen Griffin (Bill Shramek), Kathy Griffin, Attorney Mary Cummings, Patrick (Margaret) Griffin and Robert (Christine) Griffin; daughter-in-law Mary Pat Griffin; grandchildren, Brian, Brigid, Kevin, Maureen and Maggie Griffin; Danny and Michael Griffin; Meghan and Matthew Wert; John Joseph “Jack” and Sarah Griffin. John is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen (Robert) Landy; brothers-in law Henry (Glenna) Hoffman, John Hoffman, and Jerry Madden; sisters-in law Catherine “Kate” Snell, and Joyce Hoffman, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John Joseph Griffin

April 23, 1926 - July 26, 2015

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John Joseph Griffin

April 23, 1926 - July 26, 2015

365 Days of Grief Support

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