Philip D. Griffin

Philip D. Griffin, 93, of Swansea and Hyannis, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 22, 2024 and entered his eternal home. He was the beloved husband of Eileen F. (Eaton) Griffin, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage after initially meeting Eileen on a blind date.

Born on May 24, 1931 to the late James V. and Mary V. (Mullaly) Griffin. He was proud of his 100% Irish heritage. Philip was a lifelong resident of Swansea. He graduated from Joseph Case High School before attending Bryant College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance after completing an accelerated three-year program. For three summers, Phil participated in a financial executive’s development program at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Phil dedicated thirty years to his career at ITT Grinnell, ultimately serving as Treasurer. He then worked for 15 years as a Credit Manager at A.T. Cross. Everything about Phil was admired by his colleagues at Grinnell and A.T. Cross. He never had a conflict with any co-workers, family members, or friends. He was loved and respected by all.

A devoted member of his community, in his early adult years, Phil served for seven years as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. He was a long time member of St. Dominic’s parish in Swansea, a church his father helped establish. Phil served on the Board of St. Dominic’s Credit Union and volunteered as a coach for Swansea Little League, for his three sons and in later years his grandchildren. He considered Cape Cod his second home, cherishing the many family trips to the region. He loved baseball and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. An accomplished investor, he shared his profits with many in need. Investing was never about personal gain, it was always about helping others. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history and biography books. Most of all, Phil’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He was known affectionately by all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Papa”. His 18 month old great-grandchild Jack recently added “Papa” to his spoken language. Upon hearing this, Phil was overjoyed.

Philip was a man of remarkable intelligence, integrity, faith, and humility. He was a man of patience and kindness — a true gentleman and his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. He will be deeply missed by his family, who wish they could have just one more day with their precious husband, father, and grandfather.

Philip is survived by his four children: Michael P. Griffin and his wife Annette of Swansea; Jeffrey F. Griffin and his wife Rebecca of Rehoboth; Jane E. Martellino and her husband John of Houston, TX; and Stephen J. Griffin and his wife Christine of Barrington, RI. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: David Martellino and his wife Caitlin, Brendan Griffin and his wife Margaret, Laura Martellino, Kate Griffin, Allison Dimond and her husband Cutler, Trevor Griffin, Riley Griffin, Elizabeth Griffin, Chase Griffin, Caroline Griffin, and Georgia Griffin; two great-grandchildren, Jack Philip Martellino and Lily Annette Dimond, and a third great-grandchild, Paul Joseph Martellino, expected in May. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Philip was predeceased by his siblings: James, Francis, and Bernard Griffin, and Mary McLeod.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Southcoast VNA Hospice for the exceptional daily home care Philip received from Maria, Brenda, Ana, and Faith, as well as to his niece, Heather Macy, and her healthcare team members, Susan and Loretta, for their loving support.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 8:15 to 9:15 AM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1277 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be private. He will be laid to rest in the Griffin Family plot purchased by his grandparents in 1906.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip Griffin’s memory may be made to the Swansea Public Library Gift Fund, 69 Main Street, Swansea, MA 02777.

Donations can also be made in Phil’s memory to support his granddaughter, Kate Griffin, who will be participating in the next Boston Marathon. She will be raising money to support Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of her sister and best friend, Allie Dimond. Her Papa’s heart was full of pride when she announced her involvement in the race.  Donations can be made on the GivenGain site. Please include a notation “donation made in Phil Griffin’s memory.” https://www.givengain.com/project/kate-raising-funds-for-the-leukemia-and-lymphoma-society-massachusetts-chapter-89863