Obituary of Thomas J. Griffin

Thomas J. Griffin, 72, of Deep River, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Aaron Manor in Chester after a short illness. Born September 14, 1941, he was the son of Hector J. Griffin and Edith Radel Griffin. Tom grew up in Milford, CT. and graduated from Milford High School and received an A.S. Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Bridgeport. He served in the Air National Guard from 1960 to 1966. Tom is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jayne G. Mather, his daughter Heidi Brewer and her husband Peter of Belize, his son Matthew and companion Sally Wojtkiewicz of Niantic, his grandson Travis Gahran of South Lake Tahoe, CA., step daughter Kimberly Nancarrow, her husband Michael and their sons Charles and William of Marietta, GA., his brother William, sister- in- law Joan, nephews William and Shawn, their wives Patricia and Pamela and their children all of Milford, CT. Family members also include Richard and Patricia Mather of Essex, Faline and William Gray of Lansdale, PA. and Paul Mather of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Tom retired from Whelen Engineering in 2007. Previously he had worked for Tracor, Inc, General Dynamics – Electric Boat and American Machine & Foundry Company. Tom valued community service for the Town of Deep River and served 31 years on Planning & Zoning, 24 years on the Board of Assessment Appeals, 18 years as Harbor Master and 6 years on the Housing Authority. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Deep River and served on a number of Boards and Committees. Tom enjoyed fishing, boating, and collecting interesting artifacts. Over the years he accumulated impressive collections of arrow heads and antique food choppers. "Handsome Tom" as he liked to be called will be remembered as a fun loving guy and someone who could always "spin a yarn". A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Deep River on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Burial at Fountain Hill Cemetery will be privately held. The family would like to thank all the staff at Aaron Manor for their kindness and exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be made to Fountain Hill Cemetery – Chapel Fund, P.O. Box 263, Deep River, CT. 06417. To share a memory or send a condolence to Tom's family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements made by Robinson, Wright, & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, CT.