Mr. Leo F. Griffin Jr.

Mr. Leo F. Griffin, Jr., age 77, formerly of Ilion and currently of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Siegenthaler Center, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Richfield Springs on August 12, 1933, Leo was the son of the late Leo, Sr. and Mae (Miller) Griffin. He was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. In 1954 he married the former Alice Fink with whom he shared a union until her passing. He later entered into a loving and supporting relationship with his companion Terry Cutler with whom he shared 16 years prior to her passing on March 1, 1998. Leo most recently worked with Joe Loiacano of Ilion, specializing in asphalt and paving, and at one time, he held the position of clerk at the James Center Hotel. During his spare time, he enjoyed walking to the park, and socializing with his neighbors over coffee. His pastimes included watching television, particularly The Price is Right, and following his favorite sports teams, the NY Giants and the NY Mets. Leo took great pleasure in his leisure forte as an avid and crafty card player, especially with Jimmy Treen. He also spent time with his beloved cat, Toby. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Leo is survived by his daughter, Brenda Crain of Maine; and his son, Leo Griffin III of Frankfort, NY. Including the memory of his daughters who passed away, Linda Doolen, and Denise M. Medina who passed on February 13, 2010. He also leaves his grandchildren, Carli Griffin, Christina Medina, Jessica Medina, Michele Medina, and Nicole; and several great-grandchildren. In addition, he will be missed by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria J. and Anthony F. “Tony” Smaldone of Frankfort, Victoria and Tom Dineen of Schuyler, “Pat” Brownell, Dorothy Rowlands, Mary Moore, and Vivian McGraw, all of Ilion; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Donna Griffin of Gilbertsville, NY, Richard and Esther Griffin of CA, and Fred Griffin of Ilion; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, a special sister-in-law, Gail Griffin; and his best friend, Susan Burns, who Leo looked to as a daughter, and her family. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Griffin; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Griffin, who passed away in 2004; and his brother-in-law, John Brownell. Leo’s family will honor and celebrate his life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Leo F. Griffin Jr.

August 12, 1933 - February 8, 2011