Photos provided by Somerville Firefighters Local 76
By William Tauro
Sadly shortly after nearly one month ago celebrating William F. Griffiths’s 100th Birthday, he is being laid to rest!
Retired Somerville Firefighter William Griffiths “Bill” retired in 1982 and was a proud member of Engine Company 2 running out of the Cross Street Firehouse then moving with the company to open their “new” quarters at Headquarters on Broadway.
Bill was a member of The Greatest Generation who served his country during World War 2 in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion and he fought at Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and was later wounded on Okinawa. After the War, Bill returned to his hometown Somerville and joined to Department.
It was great to see current and retired members of the Somerville Fire Department to have had the opportunity to stop by and wish Bill a Happy 100th!
Obituary:
Representing the “Greatest Generation” with humility, honor and pride William (Bill) F. Griffiths, affectionately known as Bill, a beloved member of the Somerville community, passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 100.
Born on February 20, 1924, to the late Mary Margaret (Nolan) and Ambrose Griffiths, Bill grew up alongside his late siblings Ambrose Griffiths, Marguerite (Griffiths) Knight, and Thomas Paul Griffiths.
Bill’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice. After proudly serving his country during World War II as a corporal in the USMC First Division, where he fought in pivotal battles such as Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa, Bill received a Purple Heart and other medals for his role in the Battle of Okinawa. He returned to marry the love of his life, Florence “Jo” Wilcox Griffiths,
Together, they shared 55 years of love and companionship, raising a family and building a life rooted in dedication to others.
In civilian life, Bill continued his legacy of service by joining the Somerville Fire Department. A proud member of Engine Company 2, Bill served with honor and distinction for 32 years before retiring in 1982.
His contributions to the department and the community were exemplary, earning him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Bill is predeceased by his son Nolan Paul Griffiths and survived by William T. Griffiths and his wife Patricia of Billerica, Lee Ann Griffiths and her husband Joseph Carbone of Canton, Dan Griffiths and his wife Margaret of West Brookfield, Linda Griffiths of Revere and Jean Giurleo and her husband Tony of Medford.
Bill was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, who always managed to bring a smile to his face.
As we bid farewell to William F. Griffiths, we remember a man whose life exemplified courage, honor, and compassion. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and the Somerville community, serving as an enduring reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through a lifetime of service and sacrifice.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on THURSDAY, April 4th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. A Prayer service will be held in the funeral home at 12:30PM.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
An urn burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
SOMERVILLE/MEDFORD REMEMBERING WILLIAM F. GRIFFITHS
Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates: Happy 100th Birthday to retired Somerville Firefighter William Griffiths | The Somerville/Medford News Weekly