Richard John Griffith, Sr.

Richard John Griffith was born on August 6, 1935 to John James Griffith & Minnie Elizabeth (Heim) Griffith in Baltimore, MD.

He was proceeded in death by his parents (John & Minnie), brother Donald Griffith, sisters Margaret (Griffith) McLaughlin, and Eileen (Griffith) Gray, and his first wife Nancy Lee (McClung) Griffith. He is survived by his sister, Sister Patricia Griffith. He is also survived by his three children Richard J. Griffith Jr. (Mary Ellyn), Connie Lee Zablocki (Chris) and Susan Elizabeth Sunday (Doug). He also has eight Grandchildren, Richard, Ryan, Rachel, Carlos, Christina, Jenna, Jaime and Samantha. Also, ten Great-Grandchildren. He was also the special companion of Roberta Lavin.

Richard was a proud 1953 graduate of Baltimore City College HS. After high school he started a 38 year career with the C&P Telephone Co., later to become Bell Atlantic and then Verizon. He started in the mailroom, then a Telephone Installer, then promoted to Central Office Technician at the Woodlawn office. He aspired to move further up the ladder, so he took college classes & other classes offered by C&P, and was soon promoted Central Office Supervisor & then his final position Engineer. He retired from Verizon in 1991.

He soon got bored with retirement and was hired by the YMCA in Ellicott City, MD. He worked there as a personal trainer for another 25 years. Retiring in his early 80’s.

Richard served in the Maryland National Guard for 10 years from 1952 – 1962. He was discharged with a rank of Staff Sargent.

Our Dad was an “Old School” Dad. Mothers stayed home to raise the kids and Dad’s worked hard to support the family. Our Dad worked hard. In the 50’s & 60’s our Dad was regularly working 60-80 work weeks. Anytime overtime was available, he took the opportunity to make some extra money. He was known as the “Go to Guy” when something was needed.

He was a good Dad who tried to stay involved with his children. He coached baseball, took us on day trips to Leakin Park, vacations in Ocean City and much more.

Richard moved into Charlestown Senior Living in Baltimore a few years ago. These were some of the happiest times in his life. He was heavily involved in the activities and ran the Bocce and Cornhole leagues. He also started a Poker group. He made numerous friends and was well liked by all he met there.

Our Dad led a full life and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at the family-owned Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD (21228) on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 11 am until 1 pm. A Catholic prayer service will begin at 1 pm. Inurnment private.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations be made in Richard's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters or the YMCA .

Richard's Memorial Service will be live streamed on Candle Light Funeral Home's YouTube Channel .