Dr. Thomas Joseph Griffith, 89, of Niantic, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 15, 2017 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT.
Tom was born in Hartford, CT on July 16, 1927, son to the late Michael J. and Mary Agnes (Radigan) Griffith. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Hartford while hosting “The Irish Hour”, a weekly radio show celebrating all things Irish. Tom served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII. A lifelong passion for education led to Tom’s becoming a college professor in the Connecticut State system, then later at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL and Broward University in Davie, FL. Dr. Griffith earned three Master of Science degrees, and received his PHd in Education from Boston University. Tom and his wife of 34 years, Mary Ann (nee O’Neil), founded the Griffith Academy of Music and Dance in Wethersfield CT, a thriving mainstay of the community that is celebrating its 63rd anniversary. Tom is succeeded by his children, Colleen and son-in-law Dr. Thomas Groome, Thomas and daughter-in-law Mary Page Keller, and Mary Beth and son-in-law Peter Hans Benson, his sister, Marion and his beloved grandchildren, Ted, Conner, Eamon, Luke and Fiona, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Tom was predeceased by three brothers and a sister, James and his wife Nell, William and his wife Nellie, Noreen Russell and her husband John, M. Joseph and John and his wife Helen.A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 10:00am, TODAY Friday, March 17 at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church located at 265 Church St. in Hartford, CT, followed by a gathering at the Griffith Academy, 275 Main St. in Old Wethersfield. All are welcome. A visitation for family and close friends will be held from 9:00-10:00am immediately preceding the Mass in the church. A private burial will take place on Saturday, March 18 at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill, CT.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Center for Creative Education in Palm Beach, FL : http://cceflorida.org/donate/
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