William J. "Bill" Griffin, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life at his summer home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. He was 82 years of age.
Bill was born in Boston on April 28, 1938, a son of the late Joseph Griffin and Anna (Lyons) Griffin. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system. Bill entered into the United States Air Force on May 6, 1955 and served his country with pride and honor. He was honorably discharged on December 16, 1958 with the rank of Airman First Class. Bill worked as a Mail Handler for the United States Postal Service for 33 years until his retirement. He enjoyed visiting casinos, playing cards, and spending time at his "happy place" in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Bill was very proud of his Irish heritage and would travel to Ireland every year around Christmas time where he would help Santa pass out toys and gifts to the children in Ireland. He was a member of the Halligan Club, Malden Irish American Club, Bunker Hill Council #62, Knights of Columbus and was a D.A.V. Lifetime member.
Bill is the beloved husband of 60 years to Ann C. (Shea) Griffin. He is the devoted father of Caroleann Griffin, Diane Mahoney, Sandra McLaughlin and her husband John, Christine Vraibel and her husband Boston Firefighter Billy and Joseph Griffin. He is the loving Papa of Taylor, Brittney, Jillian, Jenna, Christine, David, Annie, Katie, Colm, Eamon, Griffin, and to his great-granddaughter Olivia. He is the beloved brother of Stephen Griffin, Peter Griffin, Paul Griffin, Ellen Atkinson and the late Mary Walsh, Anna Griffin, Joseph Griffin, and Leo Griffin. He is the brother-in-law of Carole Coleman and Albert Shea. He is the father-in-law of Slip Mahoney and Andrew Goldberg.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill's Funeral Mass on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. (FACIAL COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE CHURCH). His burial will be at the Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15 P.M.
THERE ARE NO FUNERAL HOME VISITING HOURS.
In lieu of flowers kindly make a memorial donation in Bill's name to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans:
NECHV
17 Court St,
Boston, MA 02108
https://www.nechv.org/donations/online-giving/