Russell E. Griffin, Warren, Ohio

WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Russell E. Griffin, 94, passed away at his residence on Saturday, October 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 18, 1929 in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, the son of Paul and Leah Marie Hawthrone Griffin.

He graduated from Vernon High School.

He started out working in his father’s grocery store, Mac’s Market in Kinsman and through the years he worked as a butcher in several grocery stores, Muir’s Market in Warren is where he met his wife June. He also worked as a newspaper type setter, a store clerk for Rose and Sons men’s clothing, co-owner of Regal Transportation, he worked 25 years for Van Huffel Tube Corporation, started out as window washer and worked his way up to steel procurer. He later worked as a steel broker, was co-owner of Tri-City Office supplies with his nephew Robert Johns in Canton, Ohio and for the past 38 years he worked at VANEX TUBE Corporation in Niles, Ohio, in which he was the founder and co-owner.

He enjoyed being with his family and extended family. At their Lake home he enjoyed fishing and teaching children, friends, nieces and nephews how to fish and water ski.

When fishing in Florida with his two sons he caught an 8ft, 180-pound black tip shark. It was the height of Jaws and the boys got so excited they insisted he keep it. So, it is now on our wall at our Lake home. He also liked sports, enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, as well as watching the Cleveland Guardians, Cavaliers, and the Browns.

He was well known for his generosity, wisdom, gentle spirit and wonderful dry sense of humor. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife, June, whom he was married to for 74 years, his son, Dennis Griffin (Susan), his daughter Sue Griffin and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Griffin, sister Paula Tressell, brother Donald Griffin (Julie), sister-in-law Jean Dager, grandchildren, Julie Kobie (Bryan), Scott Griffin (Kaela), Daniel Griffin, Michelle Shipley (Garrett), Joshua Griffin, Shana Mason (Matthew), Caleb Griffin and Joy Griffin. Great-Grandchildren: Noah and Evelyn Kobie, Jamie, Wells, and Lena Griffin, Remylyn and Preston Griffin, and step great grandson Jaydynn, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son James Griffin, sister Eleanor Mullet and husband Bob, father-in-law, Isaac Dager, step mother-in-law Sophia Dager, brothers-in-law: Terry Tressell, (Paula) William and Vera Dager, Edward and Esther Dager, James Dager, sisters-in-law: Sylvia and Howard Blackstone, Fred and Wadea George, Emma and John Johns, Helen and Neno Venetta, and nieces Deanna George and Janice Sekela.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel , at 1884 North Road, Warren, Ohio where son, Pastor Dennis Griffin, will officiate. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service from 12:00pm to 1pm.

Those wishing to honor Russell are invited to make a donation in his name to the local Warren Family Mission at PO BOX 311, Warren, OH 44482 or to Howland Fire Department EMS at 169 Niles-Cortland Rd NE, Warren, OH 44484.

We are grateful for the compassion and care of Harmony Cares Medical Group and Grace Hospice Care Team. Special thanks to Kathleen Vens, his home health care nurse, Patti Ciferno his physical therapist, and to the Howland Fire Department first responders.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell E. Griffin, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, October 28 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.