Joseph Peter Griffin's Obituary
Joseph Peter Griffin
A much loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Joseph Peter Griffin, 63, of Enterprise, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on December 12, 2013 with his family present. He had bravely confronted and fought lung cancer.
He was born on June 15, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York, the first born son of Lawrence and Kathleen Griffin. Joseph moved from West Islip, New York to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1970 to attend college. He continued to live in Florida for the last 44 years spending the last 17 years in Enterprise, Florida. He graduated from West Islip High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Throughout his life, Joseph worked in a number of diverse professions, including as a third generation police officer. He served with the City of Daytona Beach for 7 years until he retired due to an on-the-job injury. From there, he became a Division Manager for Phillip Morris USA for 15 years. Towards the latter part of his career, Joseph fulfilled his passion for teaching in the Volusia County School System teaching Elementary School, Middle School and gifted students. He was forced to retire in 2013 due to his illness. Joseph was an intellect at heart and loved sharing his wealth of knowledge for the sciences and mathematics with his students. He was the ultimate Boy Scout—always prepared and making sure everyone else was prepared and had what was needed to succeed.
Joseph is survived and loved by his wife Sharon Rose Griffin, son Sean Patrick Griffin, daughters Doris Joan Flanders and Deirdre Kathleen Griffin; sisters Noreen McGurrin Griffin and Kathleen Maria Witt; and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Joseph was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother Lawrence Patrick Griffin.
Visiting: Friday, December 20, 2013, 4 to 8 p.m. at Baldauff Family Funeral Home, 1233 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763.
Funeral: Saturday, December 21, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 26 Dogwood Trail, DeBary, FL 32713. Father Bernard Ngila will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or online at http://www.curemeso.org. Condolences may be left in Joseph’s online guestbook at www.baldaufffuneralhome.com
“Joseph fought a good fight, he kept the faith, and he won the race!”
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