Paul H. “Bull” Griffin, age 81, entered peaceful rest on January 29, 2023, at Griffin Hospital in Derby. He was the beloved husband of the late Jeanne Tiffany Griffin.
Paul was born in Derby on February 8, 1941, son of the late Howard and Carolyn Perrine Griffin. Bull was a lifelong resident of Ansonia, a city he loved and was proud to call home. A graduate of Pine High School in 1959, Paul was a standout athlete on the football and track teams under the legendary coach Charles “Boots” Jarvis.
After graduation, Paul entered the United States Marine Corp and proudly served his country during the Bay of Pigs from 1959 – 1963.
While in the service, Paul married the love of his life, Jeanne, and the two returned to Ansonia after his service to begin their life together.
Paul was employed by the Ansonia Police Department as a supernumerary officer, advanced to patrolman and retired as a Detective Sergeant. He was known to be tough yet compassionate during his years on the force.
Paul was a longtime member of the Derby Elks, the Catholic War Veterans, Webster Hose and Charter Hose, where he was recently honored as a fifty-year member.
He was well known and loved by many in the Valley and beyond for his quick wit, unique sense of humor and storytelling. Bull was very proud of his Irish heritage and loved celebrating on St. Patrick’s Day. He was an animal lover and deeply missed his longtime companion “Dutch.”
Spending time with family was very important to Bull, he especially loved lunches with his beloved “Sis,” Ellen. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame, and Ansonia High School football. Bull enjoyed many outings to Fenway Park, Notre Dame stadium in South Bend with his buddy “Red” Clynch and countless AHS football games.
Paul leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Timothy Griffin (Lisa Eaton) of Ansonia, daughters, Mary Lou Douin (David) of Intervale, NH and Laura Garcia (James Wilson) of Seymour, a sister, Ellen Preneta (John) of Oxford, grandchildren, Jennifer Douin of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica Douin of Intervale, NH, Marissa Darling (Christopher) of Washington, Rachel Maffucci (Cory) of Brooklyn, NY, Timothy, Kirstie and Raven Griffin all of Naugatuck, Giuseppe Eaton of Ansonia, Martin Eaton of Ansonia and Cosmo Bufi of Ansonia, great-grandchildren, Logan Darling and Marlow Maffucci along with several nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 7:00 pm, a funeral service in celebration of Bull’s life will take place with Rev. Jeffrey Gubbiotti officiating. United States Marine Corp military honors will then be accorded.
Burial in Elm Street Cemetery in Ansonia will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Bull’s name may be made directly to: K9s For Warriors at, www.k9sforwarriors.org. To sign Bull’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
