Bob was born on October 24, 1940 in Healdton, Oklahoma to James and Roselle (Sally) Griffitts and grew up in Del City, Oklahoma. After graduating from Del City High School in 1958, he went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology in 1962. After college, Bob entered the United States Air Force. Upon graduating from Officer’s Training School, he rose to the rank of Captain and served at Fort McGuire in New Jersey; Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine; and Lubang Island in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Air Force, Bob came to Sussex County in 1968, where he met his wife Carol Suydam. The two were married on August 9, 1969 and settled in Newton. Bob began his teaching career with the Newton school system in 1968. He taught eighth grade English at the Halsted Street School in Newton, NJ for over 30 years and coached wrestling, track, and softball. After retiring in 2001, Bob enjoyed spending time with family, genealogy, reading, and traveling.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Carol Griffitts, his father James Griffitts, and his mother Sally Griffitts. He is survived by his son, Eric Griffitts of Lake Ridge, Virginia; his daughter, Amy Fisher (Greg) of South Riding, Virginia; his grandson, Gabriel Fisher, a student at the University of Kentucky; his sister Peggy Devinish (Thomas) of Del City, Oklahoma; and his nephew Michael Devinish (Crystal) of Del City, Oklahoma.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the funeral home, followed by a short Graveside Service in Tranquility Cemetery 19 Maple Lane Rd, Green Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
