William Joseph Griffin, Jr.

William Joseph Griffin, Jr., 80, of Scott Township, died peacefully at home on Sunday morning surrounded by family as he wished. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lynn Alva Van Fleet Griffin, his brother John Griffin, sister Ann Williams and parents, William Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Ann Moses Griffin. He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Griffin, partner Chris; Cara Slocum, her husband Roy, both of Scott Township; a brother, James Griffin of Greenfield Township; and his sister Karen Schwank of Allentown; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

From a young age, Bill quickly learned the importance of days work and raising a family. He would often be found tinkering with old parts and discarded appliances, building his very first bicycle in his adolescent years.

Bill went on to graduate from Johnson School in 1963, where he learned carpentry skills, which proved to be a vital skill he used all throughout his life, including building the family home in 1973. After graduating, Bill went on to the workforce in the tri state area, where he met Lynn while they were both attending a wedding in Pennsylvania. Upon this brief interaction, he undoubtedly knew he wanted to pursue her and arranged a meeting between their families to ask for a chance to take her out in his yellow convertible.

They were wedded in October 1967 and after years of living across the state of New Jersey and many Andy's pizzas later, they were ready to move back to Pennsylvania to start a family. After years of fostering several children, they adopted daughters Cara and Brenda in 1977, becoming the first couple to adopt two of the children they were currently fostering in Lackawanna County.

Bill went on to work as a machinist for General Dynamics for over 30 years, taking an early retirement. As strong servants of The Lord, Bill and Lynn also went on to become founders of the Evangelical Free Bible Church in Waverly, where they dedicated many years of service and worship.

Throughout Bill's life he found joy in the simple things in life: working in his workshop, coming home to a good meal prepared by his wife, raising a family, and enjoying the great outdoors. He shared his love of hunting, fishing, and camping with his daughters and grandchildren. A few of the cherished memories include these activities as well as pushing grandchildren on the backyard swing set and playing in the sandbox which he built for years of enjoyment.

Bill and Lynn were devoted partners, born a day apart, who enjoyed many years together with family and friends until Lynn's passing in 2021 shortly after their 54th anniversary. Their love for each other, the Lord, and passion for family have helped shape the legacy they leave behind. We find peace in KNOWING they are together with The Lord for eternity and, as believers, we look forward to reuniting all together again.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, an organization they are proud to support in life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Clarks Summit.