Richard “Griff” “Dickie” D. Griffin, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Burlington on Thursday, August 20, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boston, MA on March 9, 1942, he was one of three children of the late George and Louisa (Merrill) Griffin. Griff spent his early childhood in Watertown before his family settled in Burlington when he was ten years old. He graduated with the Burlington High School Class of 1960 and went on to earn an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute. Following his education, Griff proudly enlisted in the United States Army; Intelligence and Security Branch. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Burlington and founded Burlington Taxi, which he operated for many years. While he enjoyed the work, he eventually stepped away from the company when his children were young so he could devote more time to family life. After years of long hours running his own business, he found great happiness working for the Burlington School System, as well as being the Secretary-Treasurer for AFSCME Local 1703. He was also a proud, longtime member of the American Legion Post 273 in Burlington.

Griff truly valued the simple things in life; gardening, traveling with family and friends, and Boston Sports, specifically the Red Sox. His love for travel continued throughout his life, particularly in retirement, with a few favorite places; Maine, Hawaii, Alaska and Fort Myers, Florida to watch the Boston Red Sox for spring training.Though naturally quiet and reserved, Griff possessed a remarkable intellect that revealed itself through meaningful conversation. He was never one for small talk, preferring thoughtful discussions that challenged ideas and broadened his world view. Beneath his calm demeanor was a deeply caring man whose wisdom, steady presence, and unwavering devotion to his family deeply shaped the lives of those around him. He possessed a remarkable memory for dates, historical events, and countless facts, and he rarely missed a daily crossword puzzle or two.

Surviving Griff are his adoring children, Samantha Abbott and her husband Kyle of Merrimac, Jennifer Bray and her husband Jon of Montague, and Shaun Griffin and his wife Heidi of Burlington; his cherished grandchildren, Sophia Grifffin, Gavin Abbott, Tyler Bray, Molly Griffin, Alanna Abbott, and Hunter Bray; his dear brother, Donald Griffin of Bradenton, FL; brother in law of Robert Ganley & his wife Susan of Burlington, Colleen Vandaway & husband Bob of Indiana, Jackie Ganley & his wife Kelly of Lynn, and David Ganley & his wife Robin of Mansfield as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Griff was the husband of 25 years to the late Joanne (Ganley). He was also the dear brother of the late Karen Parsons, and brother-in-law to the late James “Jimmy” Parsons, and Kay Griffin. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, August 28 from 11 am until 1 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at 1:15 pm in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Griff’s honor may be made to the MSPCA.