Charles Joe "Lono" Griswold, a beloved member of the Henderson community and a treasured husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 90. His life was a shining example of unwavering love for his family, friends, and his faith in the Lord God. Joe's remarkable wit, wisdom, and passion for history will be greatly missed. He was known for his exceptional gift of bringing laughter to those around him.
Born on September 2, 1933, in Kealakekua, Hawaii, on “Da Big Island," Joe was the only child of Charles Joe and Blanche Griswold. He spent his early years on the Big Island until the age of 6 before moving to Kauai in 1939 when his father became the principal of Waimea High and Elementary School. In 1941, the historic attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan left a lasting memory for Joe, as he heard the news while playing with friends and rushed to share it with his father, although he couldn't fully grasp the magnitude of the event at the tender age of 8.
In 1946, Joe and his parents relocated to Honolulu, where he attended Kamehameha School for Boys until his graduation in 1951. Joe later enlisted in the Navy, which led him to the mainland. After three years of military service, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Transportation Engineering at Purdue University in Indiana.
During the summer break between Joe's sophomore and junior years at Purdue, a blind date with Laverne Mae Paresa led to a whirlwind romance, and just three weeks later, Joe proposed. They married in 1957, and Laverne moved to Indiana with Joe. Nine months later, they welcomed their daughter Lori Lee, shortly before Joe graduated from Purdue in 1958.
Joe relocated his family to Seattle, Washington, a week after his graduation, where he took a position with the Boeing Company. Over the next seven years, their family expanded with the births of Charles Wesley in 1960 and Christopher Mathew in 1961. While on a Boeing assignment, the family temporarily moved to Boston, eventually returning to the Seattle area in 1965. Their youngest child, Julie Ann, was born in 1967.
Joe dedicated 34 years of his career to the Boeing Company, retiring in 1992 in a senior management role within the Technical Writing Department. His work at Boeing allowed him to explore the world, and he delighted in sharing tales of his travels, which included visits to Iran, Egypt, and Eastern Asia. In 1979, Joe and Laverne ventured into entrepreneurship, opening Andover Printing in Tukwila, Washington,
where they successfully built a commercial printing business. In 1999, they sold the company and embarked on a new chapter, moving to Henderson, Nevada, to enjoy their retirement years.
The couple fell in love with Henderson and formed deep connections within the MacDonald Ranch retirement community and their church, Calvary Chapel Green Valley. Even though they were physically distant from their children and grandchildren, Joe and Laverne's home in Henderson became a welcoming second home for their extended family.
In 2016, after 59 years of marriage, Laverne passed away unexpectedly. Two years later, at the age of 85, Joe found love once again and married Mary Henrichsen. Mary brought immense joy to Joe's life, extending his time with those who loved him. Joe's family is forever grateful for the love and companionship that Mary provided.
Joe's loved ones and friends remember him as a loving, kind, intelligent, and exceptionally funny husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a man of honor who deeply embraced his faith and enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood in the Hawaiian Islands.
Joe is deeply missed by his survivors, including his wife, Mary Henrichsen Griswold, his daughter Lori Heffner (Dave), his son Christopher Griswold (Jennie), and his daughter Julie Honn. He is also survived by grandchildren Calisto Griswold, Adrienne Hughes, Andrew DiMartino, Jesses Griswold, Carson Heffner, Gage Griswold, Dylan Heffner, Todd Griswold, Jeva Honn, and Hunter Honn, as well as step-grandchildren Ryan D’Ambra, Jonathan D’Ambra, Garrett D’Ambra, Alicia Honn, and Michael Honn. Joe's great-grandchildren, Mary and Paul Heffner, and 10 step great-grandchildren, also hold a special place in his heart. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laverne Griswold, and his son, Charles Wesley Griswold.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe's remarkable life will be held in February 2024. Further details will be announced. Joe Griswold's enduring kindness, sense of humor, and deep love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Griswold family.
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