Joseph R. Griffin

Joseph Raymond Griffin, age 79, of St. John, IN passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Anita; son, Jason; daughter, Jennifer; granddaughter, Ashley Caroline; sister, Jean Rortvedt (Mark); brother, Jim Griffin (Etty); nieces, Traci Olson (Jeff), Kristin Rortvedt (Kevin Fuller), Jordyn Griffin and Ali Woron (Brett); great nephew JB; and great niece Emory.

Joe was born on January 10, 1942, in Indianapolis, IN to the late Edith Bradford Griffin and Raymond Edward Griffin. From an early age he led by example with a sense of loyalty, commitment, and responsibility. This was especially evident as he earned his Eagle Scout rank at the age of 15. A graduate of Speedway High School, Joe pursued a mechanical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Polytechnic Institute of Technology, and went on to earn his master’s degree from Purdue University.

Joe was passionate about his work and proudly served Inland Steel in multiple leadership positions for 36 years, including overseeing his cherished No. 7 Blast Furnace. Friends and family often noted that there is nothing his mind couldn’t figure out and his hands couldn’t fix. Joe was always curious about how things worked and was known for his avid reading and lifelong love of learning.

People remember Joe as a kind man of few words, but when you heard him say “see me and discuss” he was ready to talk and meant business.

Joe loved spending time at the family lakehouse on Lake Shafer, especially with his granddaughter Miss Ashley who was the light of his life. Whether it was fishing, water skiing, or sunset cruise, he was always happiest at the lake, especially if he could enjoy a race or Chicago Blackhawks game on the deck.

When he wasn’t at the lake, he could be found at pool club with his buddies, in his garage hand-crafting wooden doll beds for his granddaughter, and building custom wood pieces for family and friends. As a Speedway native Joe had a lifelong connection to the legendary yard of bricks, and attended over 50 Indianapolis 500 races.

Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens (8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with funeral services immediately following, concluding with a gravesite memorial. (all times CST)

The funeral service will be streamed at 1:00 PM (CST). Please click on 'Join Livestream' a few minutes prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Speedway Public Library- Edith B. Griffin Children’s Room, in honor of Joe Griffin (5633 W. 25th St. # 3895, Indianapolis, IN 46224).