Donald J. Griffin, Jr. of Paxton passed away on May 18, 2021 after a long period of declining health.

Don was born in Worcester on May 5, 1946 to Donald J. Griffin, Sr. and Barbara (Malia) Griffin. He grew up in the Lincoln Street neighborhood of Worcester and graduated from North High School in 1964. After high school, he volunteered for the Army National Guard Reserve. In 1967, he married Joyce (Mercure), and together they started a family. Don worked in construction most of his life and spent several years as a supervisor for Masiello Construction in Shrewsbury. He was an excellent carpenter and spent countless hours working on projects for family and friends. Don was always willing to help.

Don is survived by his wife Joyce and his two children, Dr. Cherilyn Dzwilewski and her husband Mark of Boylston and Scott Griffin and his wife Stacy of Spencer. He was ‘Grandpa’ to two grandchildren, Payton and Gavin Griffin. Donnie also leaves behind his father and stepmother, Donald J. Griffin, Sr. and his wife Lillian, and two brothers, Thomas Griffin and his wife Judith and Gerald Griffin and his wife Susan, all of Worcester. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donnie was predeceased by his mother, Barbara, in 1965, and his brother, Mark, in 2008.

Don had several interests during his lifetime. He loved sports, especially baseball and golf. He played in the Wachusett Country Club Four Ball Tournament on Labor Day weekend for many years. More recently, he was a member at Bedrock Golf Club in Rutland. Don was very proud of his children and made sure everyone knew what they did for a living. He also loved his dogs like children. In addition, he enjoyed socializing, fixing all that was broken, cooking, grilling, traveling, and reading the newspaper, especially the obituaries. Some of his favorite things included ice cream, steak with cream cheese, fish and chips on Friday, duct tape, plaid shirts with a pocket, big screen TVs, steamed clams, twin lobsters, regular coffee, and Boston cream donuts. His sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Don’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, May 21st at Christ The King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours and everyone is invited to gather directly at church.