Gerald Griffin

Loving husband of Linda (Altz) for 57 years. Dear father of Philip (Tracy) of Mayville, MI; Lisa (Greg) Kwasek, of Oakland Township; David (Charlene) Crosier of Clearwater, FL; and Heidi (Robert) Perani of Clarkston MI.

Adored ‘Buppa’ of Courtney Kwasek, Samantha Crosier, Christopher (Amber) Schlagel, Emma, Payton, Audrey, Tino and Ben Perani. Proud great-grandfather of Ethan Schlagel. Beloved brother of Russell (Barbara) Griffin and Robert (Wanda) Griffin of Rochester Hills MI. Also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Lottie and Emerson, and brother Kenneth.

Jerry was a proud Vietnam veteran, serving in the US Army from 1965-1967 as a tank mechanic. Upon his return, he continued his expertise with armored vehicles with employment at the Detroit Tank Arsenal in Warren, Michigan. He worked there for almost 30 years, until the plant was permanently closed, which was at the time owned and operated by General Dynamics.

Jerry was never known to sit still, so he then became a custodial employee of the Rochester Community Schools. He loved his work there, and enjoyed the job immensely. He performed substitute placement at a different facility each day. He made many friends throughout the buildings. He took great pride in his impeccable job performance, and his skills quickly became requested often by the many building employees he served.

Jerry loved NASCAR, camping, western movies (especially John Wayne), any desserts (but particularly blueberry pie), ‘tinkering’ (he was a master at disassembling watches). In his best years, he could rebuild an automobile engine, replace your brakes, change your oil, replace a crankshaft, transmission or rotors, replace a rear main seal on a vintage Cutlass, and do a tune up better than any dealership could imagine. Then after getting your vehicle purring, he could do the best detail job, and your car ran and looked brand new! He was truly a full service technician. He could also build a family room addition, install a new roof, maintain an awesome garden, and landscape and manicure an acre lot, with the help of his trusty John Deere.

Most of all, Jerry loved his family. He was proud of his children and their career paths, and celebrated any achievements they accomplished. He instilled in them his amazing work ethic, and was joyful when they exhibited that quality. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and they revelled in his love and attention. He was the original master of dad-jokes, and never tired of asking the grandkids to pull his finger.

In later years, as Parkinson Disease reared its ugly head, Jerry faced that obstacle with bravery and commitment. He was willing to try any means to prevent progression. He was a regular sight in his neighborhood riding his 3-wheel bike, which he loved, helmet on and flag flying. He participated in Parkinson Dance Classes at Oakland University and OPC; did Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s at OPC; attended PWR (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) exercise classes at OPC; attended countless physical therapy sessions; participated in clinical trials for the Michael J Fox Foundation; and actively attended support groups directed by the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, as well as being an active participant in their annual walkathon, “I Gave my Sole for Parkinson’s” as a member of team “Rockin’ in Rochester”.

Memorial contributions in his name to his team are welcome. Donations can be made online, search ‘2023 Metro Detroit Parkinson’s Walk’, then Rockin’ in Rochester/Rochester PD Support Group Team Fundraising Page.

Jerry was an amazing, beautiful man, whose presence, humor, and goodness will be sorely missed by all who knew him.