Paul S. Griffin, 86, of Bozrah Rd., passed away at home with his family by his side on Friday, November 10, 2023.
Paul was born in Caribou, ME on October 16, 1937. He was the 12th of the 12 children born to Thomas G. and Ruth E. (Shaw) Griffin.
He joined the US Army after graduation from high school. After training, he was stationed in Germany. He enjoyed the time he spent in Germany, traveling around the country when he was able. Returning home he worked various jobs in Washburn, Maine. He decided to go to Florida, since a few family members had moved there. On his way he stopped in Greenfield Mass to visit his sister Ramona and Alex Sirum. Alex gave him a job working in a service station. He married his first wife Sue Babcock and went to work for the Modern Laundry in Shelburne Falls. Sue's parents owned this business. His job was to pick up laundry. Perfect job to start his love of being around people and packing the roads. After the laundry closed, he went to work at Kendall Mills. He worked there until the mill closed, total of 32 years. He worked at the Mohawk Repair Inspection Station for 2 years, and happily went into retirement in 1999. Paul also got to drive to New Mexico to visit his son Thomas. He was able to visit several National Parks. Many fond memories were made.
He would often return to the town of Washburn, ME to see family and friends. Paul was a friend to many and fun to be with. If anyone asked him how he was doing he would answer “perfect”, thus the nickname “Mr. Perfect”.
Paul loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would often have a few great grandchildren at his house while the parents were working and this help to build a strong connection with them.
His beloved family that will miss him dearly include his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Snow) Griffin, whom he married on Sept. 21, 1996, two sons; Paul Griffin of Colrain and Thomas (Jackie) Griffin of Joliet, IL, step-son Matthew (Vicki) Hardgrove of Vernon, VT, grandchildren; Paul S. Griffin II, Christina Griffin, Cecelia and Eric Velasquez, and Amanda and Travis Hardgrove, 7 great grandchildren, a sister Ramona Sirum of Okeechobee, Fla and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his siblings; sisters Phyllis, Geraldine, Winona, and brothers Arthur, Rodney, Stacy, Thomas, Ted, Dana, and Richard.
A graveside service will be held Friday 11/17/23 at 1:00 PM at Bozrah Cemetery, Bozrah Road Hawley, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301
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