PROSPECT — Keith C. Griffin, affectionately known as “Griff,” 71, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Griff was born Nov. 5, 1947, in Waterbury, son of the late Robert and Gertrude (Cooper) Woods. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 25 years, having been at sea aboard the Destroyer USS Comte De Grasse in the Persian Gulf. He was a well-respected and active member of Prospect Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years, serving in many roles including fire marshal, lieutenant, treasurer and managing communications logistics. He retired from Northwest Public Safety as a 911 dispatcher, and fought successfully to bring the dispatch center to this region. He received numerous lifesaving awards as well as bringing eight babies into this world.
Griff was organizer of the youth education programs during fire prevention week every year. He was the fire marshal for more than 25 years, the longest term in town’s history, and also served as fire marshal for Beacon Falls for the past eight months.
Griff was a most loved member of Prospect Memorial Funeral Home family, right hand to the funeral directors. He was a hero to many and loved by all who knew him. His family meant more to him than anything in this world, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Griff is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Famiglietti and husband, Jonathan, of Prospect, with whom he made his home; his son, Marc Griffin and wife, Carmen, of Waterbury; his daughter, Colleen Durrin and husband, William, of New York; eight grandchildren; a brother, George and wife, Wendy, of Plymouth; and two nephews, Jeff and Michael Griffin. He was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and Thomas Griffin; and a nephew, Robert Griffin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Road, Prospect. Full military honors will follow. Burial is at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be Sunday, Feb. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Road, Prospect. A full fire honor guard will be accorded.
Memorial donations may be made to Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, 26 New Haven Road, Prospect, CT 06712.
For directions and online condolences, visit prospectmemorial.com.
