Del R Griffin

Del passed away on May 25, 2017 at the age of 81 at home with his loving family at his side after struggling with Pulmonary Fibrosis for 3 years. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in Christ supported him through his struggle. Del is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elizabeth, his son Robert Griffin and wife, Olga of Edmond, Oklahoma, grandchildren Martin, Julia, Amelia and son, Matt Griffin and wife Rhonda of Escondido, CA and family Kimberly, Colton, Lillyanna and Jayden of Escondido. California, Loving sisters Lynda Griffin of Kerrville, TX and Debbrah (Robert) Callahan of Boise, ID. He is survived by aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews with whom he did his best to keep in touch. He was exceptionally close with his Minerva High classmates and they were in touch with him often. It was comforting, a true blessing and so much fun to hear from his friends through the years. Del was born on May 15, 1936 in New Castle Pennsylvania to Robert and Ivern Griffin. Later, the family moved to Minerva, Ohio. The family lived in this small mid-west town where Del grew up, attended elementary school and MINERVA high School. His father, Bob owned a small ice cream store and dairy where his mother helped out as well. In high school, Del was active in all sports to his father’s enjoyment and was an excellent all-around athlete. He attended Miami University in Oxford Ohio, majoring in Aeronautics and Mathematics. In 1958, after graduation, he moved to San Diego, California and was employed by General Dynamics / Convair in the Aeronautical Engineering division. He was employed there until 1962. He enjoyed his time at Convair, took flying lessons and even bought small plane with his engineering buddies. Always active, doing exciting things, he became a member of the Convair Sports Car Club--sports cars were popular then. So, with his new Triumph TR3 he rallied on most weekends with the rest of the engineering gang throughout San Diego County—winning many trophies. We still have that little sports car in our back yard. Somehow, we could never sell it, always thinking we would restore it but never seemed to get it done. He was enjoying his single life…then…one day in 1960, while visiting his parents, he noticed a young woman across the street moving in with some large boxes. He immediately offered his help and the romance began. He met, Elizabeth DiFederico, who was starting a new teaching position at San Diego State University. The romance began and continued and they were married in 1961 in San Diego. Then surprise, surprise--, Del decided that he really wanted to do something different---like teaching and maybe become involved in sports again. With his new wife’s encouragement he left Convair , earned his California teaching credential and his lifelong career began. In 1962, a son, Robert, was born and fortunately and, thankfully, Del was hired by Coronado School District as a math teacher and JV football coach and baseball coach. He taught and coached in Coronado until 1966. At that time, he was awarded a National Science Fountain Grant to study a new Mathematics program at Boston College. By this time another son, Matt, was here. The whole family looking toward a new adventure moved to Massachusetts for a year and a half while Del completed his studies and the family braved the New England winter. Lots of work, lots of snow, but the family made it and returned to San Diego., While in Boston. Del was offered a position in Escondido High School teaching math and coaching JV football and wrestling. He accepted the offer and enjoyed his new teaching assignment, his coaching friends and the community. He especially liked the trips to the mountains with the football coaches and players. In 1972, Del transferred to the new San Pasqual High School as a math teacher, football coach and freshman baseball coach. Along with his teaching and coaching responsibilities, he enjoyed the annual bike rides with the football team and hosting the entire group in his backyard when and if they finished the hectic ride. Somehow, it all worked out well. While at San Pasqual High, he implemented and developed the Student Athletic Training Program which was one of the very first in the county. In 2009, he was very honored and pleased to be inducted into the San Pasqual High School Hall of Fame. After retirement, in 1996, Del and his family continued to be involved in school activities, traveled, spent time with Rob’s family in Oklahoma, Matt’s family in Escondido and his many friends for breakfast and lunch. Del, always a lover of dogs and children, spent time every day at the Escondido dog park with his friends and their pets. At 10 am every morning, he was surrounded by his buddies for their morning treat. One by one, they waited their turn for whatever goodies he had in his pockets. Del’s life was filled with memorable things -- a treasured career, long- time friends, love and devotion to family, love and faith in God and he was thankful to God for all His Blessings. We will remember him as a friendly, caring man and just an all- around great guy. He never lost that small-town, mid-west, personality that defined him as a down to earth, friendly, loyal, talkative young man and older guy who always tried and wanted to do the right thing. With all the impressive things that he did in his life, I will always remember him for all those, long forgotten, unimportant, little acts of kindness and of love. He was truly a wonderful man. We miss him more than words can say but we are comforted knowing that he is out of pain and with his merciful and loving God. *************************************************************************************************************** A Special Thank You to Rhonda Griffin for her amazing help during this difficult time and Roger Nijinski for his special care and concern for our family. For those who desire, a contribution to Emmanuel Faith Community Church in honor of Del Griffin will appreciated for their help with Del's Memorial Service and Reception which was held on June 17, 2017. Emmanuel Faith Community Church 629 E. 17th St. Escondido CA 92025