Richard James Griffin

Richard James Griffin, 75, of Columbia, CT, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born on September 3, 1938, in Springfield, MA, son of the late Michael and Gertrude (Jasmin) Griffin and had made his home in Columbia, CT for the past 35 years. He served in the U.S. Army where he learned karate, and became a Master of Martial Arts in Kenpo Karate, opening and operating several karate studios in CT and worked in the retail food industry for several years. He was an avid animal lover and will be dearly missed by his Yellow Lab "Hunter". Along with his loving wife Nancy of 35 years, he is survived by his two daughters Carrie Lynn Williams and her husband Matthew of Naugatuck, CT, and Christina Lee Griffin of Vernon, CT. He is survived by his brother in law, Frank Rossi of Lebanon, CT, sister in law, Theresa Gagne and her husband Donald of West Hartford, CT, and a niece Tracie Layman and her husband John of Somers, CT. He is predeceased by a brother, Robert Edward Griffin. There will be no calling hours. A private service will be held for family members only. A message of comfort may be sent to the Griffin family by visiting www.potterfuneralhome.com .