Russell Lamont Griffin

Russell Lamont Griffin, 71, of Shanley Drive, Attleboro, formerly of Colonial Way, Rehoboth, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the 20-year companion of Dolores Blakeley of Rehoboth and was the former husband of Alice J. (Pedro) Griffin of Attleboro. Born in Seekonk, Massachusetts on March 8, 1940, he was a son of the late Ellery and Catherine (Murray) Griffin. He was a 1958 graduate of East Providence High School. Mr. Griffin proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 until 1961 when he was transferred to the Massachusetts National Guard where he served as a reservist until 1968. He was employed as a pattern cutter for L. G. Balfour Company in Attleboro for 23 years prior to his retirement. Previously, Mr. Griffin was employed by the former Levens Manufacturing in Attleboro for more than 20 years. Mr. Griffin moved to Attleboro in January 2010 having moved to the community from Rehoboth. An ardent reader, he would read every word in numerous newspapers each day as a ritual. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed watching every game on television. He will be lovingly remembered by his family for enjoying mowing the grass, being an extraordinary card player, taking care of animals and playing golf, particularly at Wading River in Norton. Mr. Griffin was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks- Lodge 1014 in Attleboro and the Moose Club of Attleboro. As a trumpet player himself, he enjoyed the sounds of the Big Band era especially Miles Davis. In addition to his companion and former wife, he leaves two children: James M. Griffin and his wife, Jennifer (Ferguson) Griffin, of Attleboro and Christine A. Griffin of Attleboro; a sister: Marilyn J. Eagleson of Rehoboth; a brother: Richard E. Griffin of Attleboro and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was the brother of the late Wallace M. Griffin and Winona E. Clark. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation with Veterans Honors on SUNDAY, July 10, 2011 from 5:00 8:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Celebration of His Life Memorial Service with Veterans Honors on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Kelly Thibeault, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Old Post Road, North Attleboro, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Rehoboth. Childrens room available during visitation and the Celebration of Life service. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship, refreshments and remembrance at a location to be announced. Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) 3 organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.