William E. Griffith Jr.
Griffith, William E. Jr., 78, passed away on August 10, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. Bill grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and attended West Chester State Teachers College after graduating from Olney High School. He taught at Enfield Middle School in Springfield Township where he brought history to life for numerous students. He loved tinkering, fixing, and building things including his favorite place, a camp on Lake Maranacook in Maine. After 30 years of teaching, he retired and began a handy man business called “Man Around the House” putting those carpentry skills to work for a number of years. For the past 15 years, Bill and Virginia (nee Bihn), his beloved wife of 50 years have wintered in Florida, summered in Maine and traveled the world together. When he entered the hospice he told everyone that he had “no bucket list.” He was a devoted father to David W. (Patricia) Griffith, and Nancy J. (Lawrence) Bower and “Pop Pop” to 5 wonderful grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sister Caroline Griffith. He was preceded in death by three sisters Barbara Furst, Margaret Nelson, and Gwendolyn Griffith. Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of William’s life on Sunday September 18th Flourtown Country Club 150 McCloskey Rd., Flourtown, PA 19031. Where friends may greet the family from 2 – 3pm followed by a 3pm Sharing time. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers contributions in William’s name may be made to WISE Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3028, Springfield, MO 65808 or wisezambia.org.
Very sorry to hear of Bill’s death. I met him only a few times but it always struck me how much he loved his family! I know he meant the world to Nancy and Ginni… My deepest condolences…
judi
Such a wonderful teacher! I loved my American History class that he taught and I still remember him! He was a very special person and I’m glad he had such a good look life. Not much better than Florida in winter, Maine in summer and travel… RIP Mr. Griff!
In my first year as a teacher, January of 1970, Bill was one of my [unofficial] mentors. He influenced my career by being a solid individual and a terrific teacher. I have thought of him often over the years.
We give thanks to God for the life of Bill, all that he meant to us and for the many many great conversations we had with him. We will especially treasure the time we spent together in Maine and the sharing of thoughts and ideas.
Our prayers continue for Bill’s family, especially for Ginny, that you may find comfort and peace especially during days when your loss is so great.
Mr. Griffith was my favorite history teacher at Enfield Jr High. He made learning history fun. May he rest in peace.
RIP Mr Griffith. You were an amazing teacher, one who made learning fun and history inviting. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Mr. Griffith was the sole inspiration for me to become a social studies teacher. I knew him as a truly gifted teacher. He probably would not have remembered me (as I was very quiet then), but I have thought of him fondly COUNTLESS times. My condolences.
I remember Mr. Griffith as a wonderful teacher in middle school. Very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Anita and I were very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and will continue to keep Ginnie in our prayers as we have these past months. Bill was the best Florida neighbor anyone could ask for.
Thank you so much for your kind comments about my husband Bill.
He was a wonderful man and will be missed
His love of history was appreciated by his students and he always loved seeing his former students and hearing about their lives, careers and families.
We will keep his memory alive
Much love to you all
As a recent board member of WISE, I have heard about Bill and Ginni and their wonderful support of our organization. But mostly, my impressions are that Bill was an incredibly thoughtful, kind man and a gifted teacher. The thought that his memory will be carried on through scholarships given to deserving Zambian youth is evidence of the commitment he and Ginni hold for those less fortunate than they. I am sad that I never met Bill but am in hopes that when I meet Ginni, I will come to know him as well.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Griffith’s passing. He was an exceptional teacher, who made learning fun and enjoyable.. RIP!
Bill was one of my favorite model teachers when I began teaching. He seemed to talk sense and add ideas that were often used by me as I learned how to teach. My one regret was that he retired too soon and robbed us all of the supports we valued in his presence. I missed him very much when he left to do other things
Bill, you will be so missed…our love to Ginni and family…from two of your many Florida friends.