Retired priest Father David G. Griffin died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. He served the Diocese of Buffalo for nearly 59 years as a priest.
Born Oct. 16, 1938, in Albion to Francis and Rita Griffin, Father Griffin attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Albion, the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo, St. Bonaventure University. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora, and a master’s from the American College in Louvain, Belgium.
He was ordained June 25, 1966, in Louvain by Bishop Victor Reed. Father Griffin celebrated his first Mass at his home parish of St. Joseph after returning to the United States.
His first assignment was as administrator for St. Mark Parish in Rushford. He then served as assistant pastor at St. Mary, Batavia; Holy Family, Buffalo; St. Francis, Tonawanda; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Niagara Falls; St. Benedict, Eggertsville; St. John’s, Buffalo; St. Stephen, Grand Island. He was named pastor of St. John Parish in Alden in 1986, then St. Leo Parish in the Town of Niagara in 1996.
He retired in 2009.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 4-8 p.m. at the Fretthold and Hamp Funeral Home, 37 Adam St., Tonawanda. Father Griffin will lie-in-repose on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Leo’s Worship Site, 2748 Military Road, Town of Niagara, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Michael W. Fisher will be the main celebrant.