Michael Francis Griffin
Michael Francis Griffin, loving father of two, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at age 79.
Michael was born in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 29, 1946 to Margaret and Frank Griffin. He grew up in Pittsford, N.Y., and attended Le Moyne college where he met his beloved wife Grace (Orzano), who passed away in 2023.
Michael and Grace raised two children, Michael and Anne, in Oceanside, N.Y. Michael supported his children in all of their activities, and especially enjoyed coaching his son’s travel soccer team.
Michael earned a masters from Assumption College and a doctorate in education from Columbia University. He had a long and distinguished career as a school administrator on Long Island, serving as superintendent of schools in East Islip and executive director at Eastern Suffolk BOCES.
Michael and Grace retired to East Marion, where they became active members of St. Agnes Church. Michael served on the finance committee, as an instructor of faith formation, as a lector, and as a volunteer at John’s Place, which provides meals and shelter for unhoused people.
Michael was a grateful recipient of a cadaveric kidney transplant, which lasted a remarkable 34 years. Ever grateful for this gift of life, Michael was always looking to give back. He proudly volunteered with the East Marion Fire Department, serving as captain of the EMT squad. In addition, he volunteered as a public representative for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
Michael could fix almost anything, made outstanding ‘dad’ jokes, and was endlessly curious, from politics to his deep love of nature. He cultivated mason bees, butterflies, native plants for humming birds, and tracked horseshoe crabs. He loved his boat and looked forward to fishing in Plum Gut with family and dear friends.
Michael passed after a long illness, during which he was lovingly cared for by his daughter Anne Neilan, son-in-law Tomás, their children and devoted caregivers. Michael is also survived by his son Michael and his spouse Kate; his brother John Griffin, sister-in-law Noeleen; sister Mary Phillips; brother-in-law Tom; sister-in-law Elizabeth Kramer and brother-in-law Gregory Kramer. He was the proud ‘Pop-Pop’ of five grandchildren: Emma and Clare Griffin, and Grace, Elizabeth and Eamon Neilan. Michael is predeceased by his brother Stephen.
A wake will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport, followed by a burial service at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Agnes Church’s shelter “John’s Place,” Greenport or to CAST Southold – Food for Children.
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