Donald E. Griffin Sr

Donald E. Griffin Sr - "Bompa" passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 2011 with his granddaughter holding his hand. He was the 4th child of 11 born to William Griffin and Ellen (Olin) Griffin. Born July 17, 1925 in Hebron CT where he lived for most of his life, moving only to be closer to family and care for his good wife Bessie "Betty" (Hardy) Griffin who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by their son Bruce Griffin. He is survived by his son Donald E. Griffin Jr, his granddaughter Elizabeth Griffin, and great grandson Donald E Griffin III of Florida. He lived with and is survived by his granddaughter Christine (Griffin) Kisling and husband James Kisling Sr, his great grandsons James Kisling Jr and Joseph Kisling of Waterford CT, and by several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Don had many different jobs throughout his life. He worked for Fuller Brush, Pratt & Whitney, American Screw Company and H.L. Deal He was most proud to be a member of the Hebron Volunteer Fire Dept. and of his 65+ years with them he was the Fire Chief for 25 years, Hebron Fire Marshal and retired as a Captain in the UCONN Fire Dept. He helped build and was a lifelong board member and instructor at the Fire Training School in Willimantic and served a term as President of the CT Fireman's Association. He and Betty owned Griffin Fire Equipment for many years before retiring to spend his winter days on the golf course in Barefoot Bay. He loved everything about fire fighting. Don was a member of the Masons in Colchester, and the Grange. He was in the Merchant Marines in WWII, and a member of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Hebron Volunteer Fire Dept.