Our beloved, John Allan Griffith, transitioned from labor to reward on September 23, 2024. A life well lived – John’s passion for education and community service was only outshined by his adoration for his daughters and his love for his family and friends.
John was born on December 14, 1936, the oldest son of the late Joseph Allan Griffith and Mary Elizabeth (Nimmey) Griffith, at West Moreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his younger brothers, Ronald James Griffith and Joseph “Hank” Nathaniel Grifiith who were near and dear to his heart. John grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania, where he attended public school. John graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in 1960, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later pursued further education, obtaining an MBA in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ) and completing coursework for guidance and counseling at Seton Hall University (NJ).
John proudly served in the United States Army Reserve for six years, achieving the rank of Spec 4 Quartermaster. That very same commitment to service was also reflected In his professional life. He spent thirty-four years working with Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) Company in Newark and Elizabeth, NJ. During his tenure there, he held numerous leadership roles, including Manager of Development Programs and Manager of Personnel Development. He also played a significant role in coordinating a pilot vocational skills-building program at PSE&G to help individuals gain the necessary skills for entry-level employment opportunities.
Before his career at PSE&G, John worked as a history teacher and assistant football and track coach at Nutley High School in Nutley, NJ, and also served as a Guidance Counselor at Montclair High School in Montclair, NJ. His commitment to students and education was evident throughout his time working in these high schools, as he positively influenced the lives of countless young people.
John was a dedicated public servant in Montclair, NJ, serving on the Montclair Township Council as a Councilman-At-Large and as Deputy Mayor from 1988 to 1992. He was active on numerous boards, including serving as the president of the New Jersey State Board of Education, a member of the African-American Heritage Parade & Festival Committee, and served on the Board of Governors at Union County College. He was also an adjunct professor at Kean College (University) of New Jersey and a member of the Board of Directors at Katherine Gibbs School of Business in Montclair (NJ). In addition to his professional and civic achievements, John became a proud member of the Epsilon Delta Boule’ Fraternity in Williamsburg, VA, where he continued to cultivate meaningful relationships and foster a spirit of brotherhood and service.
In recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements, John was inducted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Hall of Fame in 2013 for his accomplishments in football. John left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all those who had the good fortune to interact with him – be it on the field, in the boardroom, or just a simple smile as he walked by. His life reflected his walk with Christ, which began at an early age when he gave his life to Christ as a young child in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He eventually became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ, where he continued to serve in various ministries and served as Chair of the Trustee board. Later in life, upon moving to Williamsburg, Virginia, he continued his service on the trustee board of the Historic First Baptist Church.
John was predeceased by his loving daughter, the late Gail Griffith-Bridges; and is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; his two daughters, Pamela and Jennifer; four grandsons: Terrance Frye, II, Julian Smith, Breydan Bridges, and Jamieson Bridges; sisters-in-love, Delores (Johari) Griffith, Shirley Armstrong, Paulette Gillian (Joseph), and Pamela Cuff; his brother-in-love, Thomas Thornton; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving family and friends.
John Allan Griffith’s legacy is one of kindness, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education, community, and family. His impact will continue to be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Historic First Baptist Church Williamsburg. Interment will be held at Noon on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield, NJ. Mr. Griffith may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home and 1 hour before the service on Wednesday in the church.
