Obituary of Daniel J. Griffin
Daniel James Griffin, age 80, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Daniel was born in Chicago on November 11, 1942, the son of the late William and Lucille (nee Gallagher). He was raised in Hickory Hills attending school at St. Michael in Orland Park, Brother Rice High School in Chicago, and Harper College in Palatine.
Dan served in the United States Naval Reserve, Boiler Technician Chief from 1965 to 1990. He was on active duty for two years during the Vietnam War and served on the battleship the “USS Turner Joy”, venturing inland at times through the rivers of Vietnam. Daniel spent the remainder of his service years teaching Boiler Mechanics to new recruits at The Great Lakes Naval Center, Illinois, and the naval base in Cuba.
He was a career operating engineer, Local 399, Chicago. He worked at O’Hare Airport, the Chicago Water Department Pumping Station, the Daley Center, and Norwegian American Hospital. Dan was grateful for the instruction and guidance the “old timers” gave to him when he was starting out, and in turn he enjoyed training “the rookies.”
Dan liked to read all kinds of books, including mystery novels, and follow the stock market and financial reports. He loved to dance, especially fond of rock and roll and slow songs, playing cards such as pinochle and poker, travel to areas including Ireland, France, Italy, and many of the U.S. states. He gladly visited with family for the holidays, events, and barbeques; and with friends for Trivia Nights and lunch dates. He was an avid White Sox and Bears fan, watching games with the family. The grandchildren’s events were always so important to him, as they received their sacraments, played in sports, and performed in concerts and theatre productions. On many honor-award nights and graduations, he was there to cheer his “grandies” on. He was so proud of his brood. Dan will be sorely missed and fondly remembered in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know him. Thank you, God, for giving us Daniel.
Daniel was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was known as “Peachie” to his siblings, nieces, nephews and oldest friends, but introduced himself to the rest of the world as Dan.
Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Farley Griffin; his children, Donna Griffin, Laura Griffin, Daniel (Melissa) Griffin; step-children, Gina (Charles) Schalk and James (Dana) Scacco; grandchildren, Emily (Amanda) Ruch, Kylie Wieczorek, Taylor Griffin and Carter Griffin; step-grandchildren, Anthony (Renee) Schalk, Michael (Sabina) Colegrove, Sarah (Kameron) Hargrove, Tyler Scacco, Juliaunna Wonder, Daniel Schalk, Jeremiah Wilson, Nathan Schalk and Jaden Scacco; step great-grandchildren, Kinsley Hargrove, and Maya Schalk; siblings, Catherine “Kitty” (Albert) Vodvarka, Lucy Jane Griffin, Philomena “Bridget” (Martin) Nowak, Mary (Lynn) Griffin-Bales, John “Kevin” (Amy) Griffin, Dr. Carmel (Alan) Cottrell; sister-in-law Mary Jo (Edward) Russell; brother-in-laws, Gerald (Julie) Farley, Dennis (Shirley) Farley, Brian (Anita) Farley; and many first cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Daniel is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Father Devon Griffin O. Carm.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brook Forest Dr., Shorewood, IL. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Navy and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
