Roger B. Grigg

Roger B.Grigg,91, a longtime resident of Toms River, NJ,passed away peacefully with his devoted daughters by his side, on May 30, 2023. Born in Plainfield, NJ in 1931 to Arthur and Gertrude (Ford) Grigg, Roger spent most of his childhood in Bordentown, NJ. Summers were spent in Island Heights, NJ sailing on the Toms River and living in the house his great-grandfather built in the late 1800’s. He is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Grigg, and is survived by his children Janet, Bill (Lori) and Diane. He is also Poppy to his four grandchildren, Julia, Colleen, Zayne and Nash.

After graduating in 1949 from William McFarland High School in Bordentown, NJ, Roger attended Trenton State College, and received a degree in secondary education in 1953. Later on, in the early 1960’s, he received his master’s degree in administration from Rutgers University. Roger joined the Navy and served on the USS Cassin Young during the Korean War. Always the storyteller, he enjoyed recounting his adventures on the high seas as a 20-something sailor. It was toward the end of his tour that he went on a blind date with a nurse from Boston named Betty. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Roger and Betty bought a house in Toms River, NJ in 1958 and raised their three children in a neighborhood filled with people regarded as family. After almost 66 years, it is still the family home. Summers were spent camping and traveling. After the trailer was retired, summers were then spent around the pool, laughing and playing card games into the night.

After teaching math/science on the middle school level, Roger became principal of the original Intermediate School in the mid 1960’s. At one time, every child who went to public middle school in Toms River had Mr. Grigg as their principal. He became the first principal of Intermediate West, now Intermediate North, retiring in 1988. Roger always thought about the student’s needs and emphasized the importance of positive learning and acceptance in the classroom. To him, the students were his top priority. Always a presence, Mr. Grigg, aka, Daddy Dolphin, would stroll the hallways, entering classrooms to visit and check up on his students. As a result of his caring, kindness and diplomatic approach, students respected and looked up to him.

In his final years, Roger enjoyed searching his favorite YouTube channel, indulging in his love of history and life in general. To his family, he will be remembered as the best Dad in the world and beloved Poppy. A finer man there never was and he will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 10AM until the funeral service at 12 noon at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St. Toms River, NJ. Burial will be private at Bordentown Cemetery, 210 Crosswicks Rd., Bordentown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers please donate to `the charity of your choice.