Richard Alan Griffin

Richard A. Griffin, age 72, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away on Thursday, January 19th, 2017. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 29th, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fred Hunter's at 718 South Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A long-time resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Richard was born in Huntington, New York on August 21st, 1944. He graduated from Huntington High School and attended Syracuse University. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Charlie Berdan, Richard was a member of the Huntington, New York Fire Department, serving as Captain of the Protection Hose Company. He was also a talented clarinet player and won several awards in NY State Music competitions. As a licensed Captain and Merchant Marine, he piloted boats from NY to Florida via the Inter-Coastal Waterway in his early adulthood. Richard loved the ocean and maritime activity, and maintained his Captain's license for the duration of his life. In 1973 he moved to Kinnelon, New Jersey, where he continued his service to the community as a volunteer firefighter. In 1978 he made his way to Florida where he spent his career in manufacturing, with almost ...[more]

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years as an executive at Spraymation, Inc., a leader in the computerized spray application industry. As a lifelong fan of Ian Fleming's James Bond, those that knew Richard couldn't help but be aware of his endless fascination for the latest, greatest electronics and engineering. Always with the best gadgets, cameras, and technology, Richard's home was very much like Q's laboratory. Richard was incredibly smart, cantankerous, funny, and loving. He was one-of-a-kind, and will be missed deeply by those who knew him. May he rest in peace. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Edna May Griffin and his beloved Aunt, Erma Berdan. Richard is survived by his brother Thomas of Big Bear, CA, former wife Carla Bummara and Richard's children: Richard A. Griffin Jr. and his wife Joan of Florham Park, NJ, Timothy S. Griffin of Austin, TX, and beloved daughter Heather K. Griffin of Kinnelon, NJ. Richard also has five beautiful grandchildren: Matthew J. Griffin, Richard J. Griffin, Karla K. Griffin, Seamus P. Griffin, and Emily M. Griffin. In lieu of flowers, the family instead would appreciate donations in Richard's name to the American Lung Association or the New York Firefighters Burn Center.