John A. Griffin

Margaretville, NY – John A .Griffin, 87, of Margaretville and a former Rhinebeck resident, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Health Alliance, Kingston.

John was born in Delhi, NY on January 22, 1931 to Frank Adolf and Mildred Shaver Griffin.  He graduated from Delaware Academy in 1950, and attended Delhi Agricultural College for a time before having to leave to help in the family store.  He served as a corporal in the National Guard Service, Walton, NY, from 1948-1950.

He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Eleanor Lind in 1952 and eventually settled in Rhinebeck where they raised their family and he became an active member of the Rhinebeck Community.   He was a life member of the Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club and a member of the Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge #432 F. & A. M. for more than 40 years.  He served as Master of the Lodge and as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of the State of New York.  He served several years as a leader and guidance person in the Christian Service Brigade at the First Baptist Church of Rhinebeck.

In 2001 he and Ruth built their dream home in the mountains he loved; they have resided in Margaretville where he became a member of the Arena Fire Company and served as treasurer of the Arena Fire District.  He enjoyed time spent with his many Arena friends.

John was a member of Carpenter Local 203, Poughkeepsie, NY and Local 19, Newburgh, NY for 50 years.

John is survived by his wife loving wife Ruth; their children Craig Frank (Darlene) Griffin of Red Hook,  and  Linda (Brian) DuBois  of Germantown; sister Ethel Griffin of Redden, TX;  grandchildren, Kristen Griffin, Meagan Griffin, Alexander Griffin, Joshua DuBois, Rowan DuBois; a great granddaughter Sydney Butler; and many nieces and nephews . He was predeceased by a son Sidney (Debra) Griffin in 2012.,  a sister Mary L. Griffin and a brother Frank A. Griffin.

Calling hours are Sunday, October 22, 2017, 2-4 PM, at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.  Members of Rhinebeck Lodge #432 F.&A.M. will conduct services at 4:00 PM

Memorial donations may be made to the Arena Fire Company.

For the complete obituary and to sign the online register please visit dapsonchestney.com 

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