Donald Edward Griffin

Donald Edward Griffin, 81, of Cary, NC passed away on November 7, 2014. Don was born in Truxton, NY on November 2, 1933 to Blanche and Ralph Griffin. He married Mickeleene Santuae of Groton, NY on November 10, 1956.

Don was an Army Veteran, and served 2 years as a bugle player in the Army’s band during the Korean War (1953-1955). After his return, he began his 33 year career at Smith Corona (SCM), working his way into a management position that led his family to Singapore from 1975-1977 to facilitate the opening of a new SCM plant.

In 1986, Don and his wife, Mickey, purchased Woodbrier Golf Course in Martinsburg, WV, which they owned and operated for several years until they retired to Carolina Seasons in Sanford, NC.

Don served in many civic and community organizations in Groton, first as a village trustee, then police commissioner and at age 51 became the town's Mayor. He was one of the founding members of Stonehedges Country Club, where he also served on the Board of Directors, and was an active member of the VFW and Groton American Legion. He honored fellow veterans by playing "Taps" at their funerals for many years.

Don had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing golf, cards, bowling and spending time with his friends and family. Always the entertainer, he could be counted on for a good laugh or a song when the occasion called for it.

Don’s wife, Mickey, who passed away on April 1, 2014, precedes him in death. Don is survived by his daughter Lori Wilson of Apex, NC, and her son Donnie, of Charlotte, NC; daughter Lynne Grant and her husband Cory, of Apex, NC, their daughters Angela, of Raleigh, NC, and Valarie, of Arlington, VA; and daughter Lisa Martin and her son, Joshua, of Fuquay Varina, NC. Don is also survived by his brothers William Griffin, Gerald (Barb) Griffin, Robert Griffin, and Richard (Sharon) Griffin. Pre-deceased are a sister, Shirley Bloodgood, and her husband, John.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 22nd, at Shurtleff Funeral Home, in Groton, NY, followed by internment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. A reception will follow at the American Legion in Groton.

Condolences may be made at apexfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women’s Auxillary, American Legion, 307 Main Street, Groton, NY 13073.