Donate
Image of Mr. Robert Emery Griffin Sr.

Mr. Robert Emery Griffin Sr.

Date of passing 12/31/2023

Robert E. Griffin, Sr. of Harwich, MA went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 31,2023 at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness. He was 98 years old. He was born in Brockton, MA to the late Alexander and Elizabeth (Blankenship) Griffin. When Bob was young his father moved the family to Chatham on Cape Cod. It is there that he grew up with his three brothers and two sisters and lived most of his life.

After graduating from Chatham High School in 1943, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He served with a Naval Construction Battalion, known as the Seabees, in the South Pacific during WW11. He was very proud of his service to his country. In his elder years, he spoke about it often especially his memories of serving in the war.

Bob was a man of many talents. He grew up on the water and was taught by his father how to fish and lobster. He was a brick mason as well, working his craft for more than 30 years in between his lobster business. When he sold his last boat, Bob went to work for his brother Dick as a housepainter for 10 years until he retired at 70.

Bob loved the state of Maine. He spent many years of enjoyment deer hunting, vacationing at his house and visiting friends. He also loved to sing as he grew up in a home where there was always singing around the piano. Bob sang in church choirs, in the Chatham Community Chorus and in a small group with his daughters in church for several years. He had a wonderful voice and a great ear for harmony.

Bob is predeceased by his wife Eunice (Nickerson) Griffin of sixty years, his daughter Gail N. Memos, and his son Robert (Rob) E. Griffin Jr., his parents, and his brothers Richard Griffin and James Griffin.

He is survived by his loving wife Joyce Noyes Griffin, his daughters Susan E. Beckner (husband Michael) and Sherry L. Keating and his son John L. Griffin (wife Janet). Bob also leaves ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his brother Wayne, sisters Ginny (Pudge) Forgeron and Joyce E. Gallup and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a private graveside service for family.

Link to obituary

If you would like to share an obituary of a loved one to be listed here, please contact the Navy Seabee Foundation at info@seabee.org.