Write a commentPeter S. Griffin passed away at his home on Monday October 20, 2025.
Peter S. Griffin, “Grif” enlisted in the U.S. Army on 13 March 1964 and was honorably discharged on 10 March 1967. His unit assignments were Company A., 2/502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division and Company C, 2/505th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division. On Memorial Day Weekend, 1998 he was inducted into the 502ne Infantry Distinguished Members of the Regiment, Halls of Fame, in a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served on the 101st Airborne Association, Fort Campbell Kentucky Monument Committee, helping to establish a Division Monument to honor all Screaming Eagles, past, present and future.
He is a “Boat Person”, arriving in Viet Nam on board the U.S.N.S. GENERAL LEROY ELTINGE”, 29 July 1965.He was a member of the 1st Brigade which operated separately until 1968, when the rest of the division arrived.
After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the military, he attended the Police Academy at Syracuse, New York and served as a Police Officer in Oswego, New York from 1968-1978. He also attended the State University of New York (SUNY)@ Oswego, completing several public justice, psychology, sociology, and civil liberty courses.
His military decorations include the Viet Nam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Silver Star Medal, (the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters – awarded directly by his former Battalion Commander, LTG Henry E. “Gunfighter” Emerson), the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Valorous Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Parachute Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Rifleman Badge. He recently received the Conspicuous Service Star from the State of New York for his patriotic service.
“Grif” married Brenda Gibson in 1967, now married for 58 years. They moved to North Carolina in 1978. The were blessed with a daughter Pamela (Tucker) Law and son Brent, (who predeceased him April 2025).
They are the proud grandparents of three lovely granddaughters, Emilie (Demetrious) Law Valdez, Meghan Law, Georgia Griffin (Trey) Holyfield and grandson Connor Law.
We are proud great grandparents of Heidi, Vianne, Seraphina, Ezekial, Nora, Zoe Wren, and Jay.
Peter was born in Oswego, NY, the son of the late William Griffin, Sr. and Leita Lacey Griffin. He was predeceased by his siblings, John T., Mary Ann, Lynn Elizabeth, Willliam, Jr., Sally, Nancy, Gail, James (Terry) and Dorthea. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews,
Grif published two books, an anthology of poems, “Thoughts, Memories and Tears” and “When You Hear the Bugle Call” (Battling PTSD). His writings also appeared in several military magazines and newspapers.
Funeral services will take place in St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 10AM Saturday October 25. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery
Calling hours will be Friday 5-7PM at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.
