John J. Griffin, Sr.

John J. Griffin, Sr. passed peacefully into eternal life at home, surrounded by family, on July 24, 2023 at age 93. Husband of Marie (nee Philipps). Father of John, Jr. (Gina), Tom (Jane), Audrey, Patricia (Joe Curran), Jim, and Marie Finley (Vince). Grandfather of John III (Brianna), Matthew (Alexis), Julia, Tom Jr., Mark, Billy, Brian, Carly, Tom, Kelsey, Michaela, Connor, Emma, Chloe, James, Ryan, Vince, Erin and Bridget. Great-grandfather of John IV, Charles and Landon. Son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Griffin. Brother of the late Catherine Maggiano, Betty Eberhardt, Mary and Thomas Griffin. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born on June 24, 1930, John was raised in Manayunk, PA. "Hotchie" and "Honest John" were his nicknames because he was a faithful dedicated friend to all. He attended St. John the Baptist grade school and high school. During high school, he worked for his father delivering milk. He had a love for ponies and horses his entire life.

In 1955, John married his wife of 68 years, Marie Philipps. They owned several diners in the Roxborough area, including the "Griff-Inn". John never wore a watch. He said he would finish the job he started and it did not matter what time. He was a self-made entrepreneur making family, his Catholic faith, and empathy for people who needed help his top priorities.

John and Marie were blessed with six children, nineteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling the world, especially on steamboat cruises. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they treated the entire family (twenty-two at the time) to a nine day trip through Ireland. John spent countless hours watching his grandchildren's sporting events, making trips to Lancaster County, and caring for his two ponies, Rusty and Sport.

In Marie's words, "John's life was well lived. He enjoyed life!" And in John's words, "Memories and family are what life's about. That's the truth!"

Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing on Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment is in Westminster Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Church, https://www.stjohnmanayunk.org/donate

Condolences may be shared at www.kollerfuneralhome.com

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