Donald E. Griffin

Donald E. Griffin, 83, of Newport, NC, formerly of Ithaca, NY, died Tuesday, July 31­, 2018, at Brookdale Senior Living.

The son of the late Paul F. and Edith Ayers Griffin of Freeville, NY. He resided most of his life near Ithaca, NY, retiring to Newport, NC in 1999. He was a 1953 Ithaca High School graduate and a graduate of Freeman Business School, Geneva, NY. He worked as a bookkeeper for Boothroyd Insurance and Smith Beverage and was a home health aide and parent aide for Family and Children Services before moving to Newport in 1999.

Donald was in the US Navy 1954-1958 aboard the USS Basilone (DDE-824) and then stationed in Norfolk, VA (YN3). He is a 50-year member of Hobasco Lodge F&A.M. in Ithaca, NY, where he was secretary for about 30 years. He commissioned songs to be written including “Ithaca My Home” and others. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church.

Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Estir R. Griffin, of Newport, NC. Two sons and their wives, Paul D. and Marie Griffin of Jacksonville, FL and Glen A. and Janet Griffin of Trumansburg, NY; and a daughter and son-in-law, Heidi and Minor Smith of Newport, NC. Also, his beloved grandchildren, Paul II, Alena, Joshua, Rachel, Grace and Luke and 4 great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Also, a sister Jean Griffin of Oregon.

Flowers are graciously declined and contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to Masonic Research at 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501, Alzheimer Research at 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871 or the American Cancer Society at 930-B Wellness Dr., Greenville, NC 27834.

The family would like to thank Brookdale and Community Home Health and Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.