Kenneth W. Griffin

Frankfort - Kenneth W. Griffin answered the last roll call on March 12, 2015 at the age of 89. He was born in Utica on July 31, 1925, the son of the late Howard Griffin and Marguerite Lansing Griffin. He attended Whitesboro schools where he excelled in baseball, basketball and football under coach and mentor, Allen Frye. He was a member of the undefeated football team in 1942. He played baseball as a left-handed pitcher with the Ruggerio Merchants in the Utica Municipal League and later, he played for the Whitestown team. Following his graduation in 1943, Ken was drafted into the US Army and took part in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. He fought with the 29th Infantry Division as an expert rifleman with one of the two assault divisions in Omaha Beach. He was wounded in action July 18, 1944 and was sent back to England to recuperate. He earned the combat infantry badge, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, Africa European Middle East Medal with one Battle Star, one Arrowhead Good Conduct medal, Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Allied Expedition Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Medal and medals for service to France. On November 11, 2009, the French Embassy in New York City presented Ken with the exclusive French Legion of Honor Medal as a Chevalier. Ken and his family were very proud. Upon his return home from war in 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Greenlees. They shared a loving relationship for 60 ½ years until her passing on November 29, 2006. He was a lifetime member of the Purple Heart Association, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and a lifetime Benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of Chapter 28, Battle of the Bulge, the 115th Regimental Association 29th Division and the Reg. 1113 American Legion of Whitestown. He was also a member of Local 545 Operating Engineers for 69 years. He worked on many local construction projects, operating cranes and all types of heavy equipment. Ken was very proud of the fact that one of his ancestors was Frederick Bellinger who fought with General Herkimer at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. His ancestors fought in every major conflict that threatened America. Ken is survived by his five children, Kenneth J. Griffin of Ilion, Karen E. Johnston and her husband Tod, Janet A. (Griffin) Trompczynski, Susan M. Griffin and her fiancé Nick Galotti and Jarvis W. Griffin, all of Frankfort. He is also survived by his special granddaughter Amy Lyn (Trompczynski) Barringer and her son Gregory who were near to his heart. His grandchildren, Shirley (Johnston) Farnsworth, Shelley Johnston, Tod Johnston, Kenneth W. Griffin, all of whom he loved very much and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Shirley Griffin in 2006, his brother James and wife Jean of Whitesboro, his brother Donald and his grandson in law, Daniel Barringer. May Ken find peace with his beloved wife Shirley who he loved dearly. His funeral will be held Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave. Frankfort with Chaplain James Cogar, officiating. Spring interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Calling hours will be Saturday evening from 4-7 PM in the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Kenneth's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com