George ‘Drew’ Griffin of Stuart, Florida, and Formerly of Southampton Dies December 16 - 27 East
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Obituaries / Sag Harbor Express / 2321518

George ‘Drew’ Griffin of Stuart, Florida, and Formerly of Southampton Dies December 16

authorStaff Writer on Dec 19, 2024

George “Drew” Griffin of Stuart, Florida, and formerly of Southampton, died at home on December 16 surrounded by family and his loving wife of 62 years, Diane (Dee) by his side. He was 89.

Born on August 4, 1935, in Southampton to Margaret Drew and Albert Griffin, he was raised by a single mother after his father died when he was 3. On November 12, 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 and served aboard the destroyer USS Knapp during the Korean War.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956, he returned to Southampton, where he married a local nurse, Diane Ward, and raised two daughters at the home they built on Roman Road.

His unbounded love and encyclopedic knowledge for all things Southampton was obvious to anyone who would listen or follow him on Facebook. He was proud of his 37-year career as a part-time police officer with Southampton Town, his volunteer work with the Southampton Volunteer Ambulance and launching a successful house watching business which grew to over 100 homes.

Later in life, he reluctantly discovered the game of golf and enjoyed playing at the Sag Harbor State Golf Course and in Florida. He and his wife settled in Stuart full-time in 2015 after several years as snowbirds.

He is survived by his wife Diane; daughters Brenda (Ed McBride) and Robin (Scott Marchini); grandchildren Drew and Arthur Marchini; his sister Mary Bast (Jim); and a larger, extended family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Southampton Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 2760 Southampton, NY 11969, or to a preferred, local hospice organization.

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