Niskayuna – Roger W. Griffin passed away peacefully on October 10, 2023, after a valiant fight with a rare and debilitating neurological disorder known as PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
Born April 18, 1941, Roger was the son of the late Francis E. Griffin and Holly (Sauter) Griffin. A lifelong resident of Niskayuna, he spent summers at the family camp on Gull Bay, and later, Hague-on-Lake George. As a young boy, Roger joined the Boy Scouts and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, he continued to follow scouting throughout his life. Roger was the president of the first graduating class of Niskayuna High School in 1959. He attended Dartmouth College for several years, eventually graduating with a BA degree from the University of Maine (Orono) in 1967.
He retired from the NYS Department of Civil Service after 25 years. He then kept busy with his farm, mowing, cutting wood and growing vegetables. An avid gardener a gentleman farmer, his favorite item was winter squash. Everyone loved his butternut and acorn!
Roger was predeceased by his wife Carol Winne Griffin.
He is survived by his daughters, Holly, of Niskayuna, who has been his devoted caregiver throughout his health struggles, Barbara (Michael) of Niskayuna and Elizabeth (Tom) of N. Bellmore, LI; grandsons, Lee (Samantha) and Grant (Cierra) Chiaro and great-grandchildren, Dean, Thea, Jack and Lincoln. He also adored his hound dog George.
In addition, Roger is survived by his brother Gary (Eileen) Griffin, of Willington, CT; as well as a niece and nephew.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, on Sunday from 3 to 6 pm.
Services will be held on Monday at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home at 10 am with Rev. Michael Meyer-Veen, officiating. Interment will follow in Niskayuna Reformed Cemetery
Donations may be made to the Niskayuna Historical Society at the Niskayuna Town Hall, 1 Niskayuna Circle, Niskayuna, NY 12309, or to a charity of one’s choice.