Obituary
Roy James Griffin was one of the kindest, most generous, hardest working and funniest (intentionally and unintentionally) people you could every have the privilege of knowing. He greeted everyone with genuine compliments and enthusiasm and you immediately felt welcome in his presence. He was proud to be 100% Irish and wasn’t shy to turn on the Irish charm.
Born on September 9, 1941 in Brighton, MA, he was the youngest of 5 children to Helen (Carroll) and Richard Griffin.
Roy is survive by his wife of 60 years, Susan M. Griffin (Borzillo) of Malden, MA; daughter Denise Griffin Crowe and her husband Russell D. Crowe and his grandchildren Michaela D. Crowe and Griffin P. Crowe of Wilmington, MA; daughter Kimberly Young and her husband Stephen Young of Medford, MA.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard “Sonny” Griffin, Frances “Sis” Marcucci, Dorothy “Dottie” Buckley, and Margaret Herman.
Roy took immense pride in his work. He was an auto mechanic at Alignments Specialists in Quincy, MA for 30 years, a family-owned business where he worked with his brother and nephews.
He attended Brighton High School, where he met Susan Borzillo, whom he always referred to as “the apple of his eye.” They united in marriage on June 20, 1965 and were inseparable from that day forward. He was a devoted husband, expressing his love for Susan every day throughout their 60 years of marriage, in his words and in his actions. Being married to Susan was one of the greatest joys in his life and he was grateful for her until the end.
He was a proud and doting father to his two daughters Denise and Kimberly. He made up stories and songs to entertain them and kept them laughing and safe. He shared his love of the Bruins with them and would cheer, “Number 4?” to which they would yell, “Bobby Orr!” He took them to many Bruins games and could always predict when the game would go into overtime, which was a little annoying. He never minded being the butt of a joke if it made his family laugh and they have a lifetime of funny stories and memories to keep them happy.
Roy loved bowling and was on a bowling team where he took home more than his fair share of trophies. He also brought that pride and showmanship to the dance floor, winning numerous Twist contests at the bowling banquets.
Roy truly loved music and he gave his daughters a musical education including legends Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson and his all time favorite, Elvis Presley! He would accompany Elvis, singing loudly and proudly, whether he knew the words or not. He also sang along with all sorts of children’s music to entertain his granddaughter Michaela and grandson Griffin. He relished being a grandfather as much as he did being a husband and father, and developed unique and special relationships with each of his grandchildren.
His entire family was always his top priority. Even as his mind began to change with dementia, he always recognized his family members and enthusiastically greeted them with his endearing smile. He often reminisced about growing up and the life lessons that his mother taught him.
Calling Hours and funeral service to be announced.
Services will conclude with interment at St. Michael Cemetery, Boston.
Many thanks to Care Dimensions Hospice: nurses and aides for their care and support. In lieu of flowers donations in Roy’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or online at http://www.caredimensions.org/giving