Dr. Donald S. Griffin's Obituary
Dr. Donald Spray Griffin
June 23, 1929 - June 3, 2025
Dr. Donald Spray Griffin, age 95, of Pleasant Hills, PA passed away on June 3, 2025, after a long a productive life. Don graduated from Cornell University in 1951, where he was a member of the varsity rowing team. He received his PhD in structural mechanics from Stanford University in 1958. He served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Korean conflict. He married Susan Pearce in 1952, who was the wonderful mother of his four children. After becoming a widower, he married Barbara Ridley in 1987 and gained three step-daughters and an adventurous post-retirement travel companion.
Most of Don's professional career was with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh as an expert in structural mechanics in the nuclear power field. He was conferred Fellow status in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1980 and served on their Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Committee through 2020.
Don practiced his faith at the Pleasant Hills Church, serving in numerous service and leadership capacities during decades of membership. In recent years, he hosted a church bible study group in his home. His leisure activities included cross-country skiing, bicycling, and travel to all seven continents. But his true leisure passion was racing his Flying Scot sailboat with Barbara at Deep Creek Lake and in other regional regattas, and cruising larger sailboats in tropical destinations with friends and family.
Don was predeceased by his brother Edward L. Griffin, Jr., sister Dorris Griffin North, first wife Susan Pearce Griffin, and second wife Barbara Ridly Griffin. He is survived by his children Abbie Griffin, Frederick Griffin (Elizabeth Griffin), Margaret Griffin (John Enright), and David Griffin; stepdaughters Debbie Ridley, Ayla Ridley, and Lisa Hull (Rick Hull); 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren, and 7 step-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for the main sanctuary of the Pleasant Hills Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, on Monday June 23 at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don's honor to one of his favorite charities: Cornell University, the Pleasant Hills Church, or the Deep Creek Sailing School.
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