Russell E. Griffin

A year has gone by since Russell E. Griffin, 86, of Tinton Falls, passed away, and his absence continues to be felt by family and friends. Russell died Jan. 25, 2019, at home in Seabrook Village. He was born June 8, 1932, and was raised in the Bernardsville and Basking Ridge area of Somerset County. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1949 and served on the USS Block Island. After his honorable discharge, he went to work at Bell Labs in Murray Hill in 1954, transferring to Holmdel in 1959 where he remained until retiring in 1987 as a plant operations supervisor. Russell was a life member of the American Legion, the USS Block Island Association, the Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society and the Telephone Pioneers of America. He enjoyed learning about naval history and reading anything with a nautical theme. Predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Sylvia F. Griffin and a stepson, Barrett Meehan, Russell is survived by two stepsons, Lance Meehan and Kevin Meehan; and son, Robert, and daughter, Cheryl, from his first marriage. Russell is interred at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown. Arrangements were under the direction of Jersey Shore Cremation Services in Manasquan.