Robert Joseph Griffin

Middletown, RI - Robert Joseph Griffin, 85, of Middletown, RI, died Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI.He was the dedicated and beloved husband of Kathleen H. Griffin for over 61 years. Born in Providence, RI on October 19, 1925, he was the son of the late James F. and Mary Kelly Griffin. He was a graduate of St. Raphael s Academy in Pawtucket, RI, graduating in 1943. He immediately joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. Mr. Griffin was employed at the Naval Underwater Systems Center for over 30 years retiring in 1983 as Section Head of Fleet Maintenance Support Group. He then worked for Gould Inc. a private Defense contractor until 1988. He had been a resident of Middletown since 1964. He was a past president of the Legion of Mary and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Middletown. He was a long time member of St. Lucy s parish. In his earlier years he was active as an adult leader with the CYO. Mr. Griffin was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. His survivors include wife, Kathleen H. Lynch Griffin of Middletown, children, Karen and William Weikert, Robert Griffin Jr. and his wife Janet and Patricia Silveira and her husband Thomas all of Middletown, his grandchildren, Meghan Michael Smith of Arizona, Ashley and Michael Agren, Rebecca Silveira, Katherine Griffin and Brittany Griffin all of Middletown, Thomas Silveira Jr. of South Carolina and LCPL Michael Silveira, USMC, stationed in Afghanistan, his great grandchildren, Madison and Eilish Smith and Evan Agren, and his brother James F. Griffin of Rumford, RI. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Griffin. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, from 4-7pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2010, at 8:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00AM, in St. Lucy s Church, West Main Road, Middletown, RI.Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.Donations in his memory may be made to the Middletown Rescue Wagon Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or to the National Federation for the Blind of RI, P.O. Box 154564 Riverside, RI 02915.