Obituary of Bill Griffin

Loving Father, Grandfather William A. Griffin, 84, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, November 30, 2020, at Regency House. Bill was born August 29, 1936, in Rumford, Maine son of the late Nelson R. Griffin and Rose (Glover) Griffin. Bill worked most of his career for Wallingford Tire and Auto as a mechanic. During the 1950s, he owned a repair shop with his brother and brothers-in-law. Cars were Bill’s hobby and profession; photos of family, friends, and locations would be focused with a car in view. Bill taught his daughters as young drivers how to repair and maintain their cars because he always wanted them safe and never stranded on the roadside. He enjoyed listening to the old timers of country western music, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, his last days of life were spent with his family while his favorite music played in the background. Bill’s life goal was to help others. He put his words into action fostering many children over his lifetime. He gave his time, talents and heart to his family, extended family, friends, and to anyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Bill leaves to cherish his love, life and legacy his significant other Elizabeth “Betty” Cilino, daughters Cynthia and her husband Andy Merola of Prospect, Sharon and husband Gordon Culley of Mass., Jeanmarie Whitehead and, William Richard Griffin, Stepchildren David, Kevin, Julie and Amy Gavin, his grandchildren who lovingly called him Grampy; Shannon Ely, Danielle Lucci and Masin Warner, and great grandchildren Zoe and Zachary Ely and Emilia Lucci as well as his sister Carol Hamilton, and many nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves Barbara (Toth) Gowers, although divorced they remained very good friends throughout his life. Bill was predeceased by his precious granddaughter Isabelle Merola, brothers Edward, Ralph, George “Earl”, John, and Frank and sisters Esther and Victoria, and his nephew Ralph Edward with whom he was very close. Memorial Services for Bill will be held Saturday December 12, 2020 at 11 am at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd. Prospect. All those planning to attend are required to wear masks at all times, maintain 6 foot distancing and please remain at home if not feeling well. All CDC and DPH Covid-19 guidelines will be strictly adhered to. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.