Newburgh Free Academy Memorial
Newburgh Free Academy Memorial

 

Back to Message Board


Edison G. Griffin Jr - Class of 1960

Delete this post Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 19/Oct/2022
184.88.213.148

  Edison Gary Griffin Jr, of Auburn, NY passed away from natural causes on December 15, 2017. Gary was born February 23, 1943 in Newburgh. The son of Edison G Griffin Sr. and M. Jean Berry, Gary attended Newburgh schools, graduating from Peekskill Military Academy in 1962. He then attended Bethany College where he earned a B.S. in Physical Education in 1966. Gary excelled as a member of the Bethany College Football team, playing Quarterback, Punter and Kicker positions, earning P.A.C. All Conference honors and held the schools kicking record for 25 years.
After graduating Bethany College, he returned to Peekskill Academy where he taught from 1966 till it's closing in 1968. Gary then went on to Weedsport Central Schools to teach Physical Education, starting the school district's swimming program, and for several years served as the school's Director of Athletics. Gary is best known for his outstanding achievements as Weedsport's head swim coach with a 33 year dual meet record of 391 wins and only 59 losses. During his tenure, Coach Griffin's teams earned 21 Finger Lakes League Championships, 25 Section 3 Class B Championships, the New York state small school swimming and diving team champions in 2002, and he was chosen as The National Swim Coach of the year in 2003. Gary's proudest career achievement however is the accomplishments of  "his kids"¯, the young men and women that swam for him and in his words are what made it all happen¯. Gary is survived by his mother, M. Jean Maselli of Newburgh, son Michael (Catherine) Griffin of Atlanta, GA, daughter Margaret (Alan) Woods of Pulaski, NY, grandchildren Katherine and Griffin Woods of Pulaski, and brother John Maselli of Newburgh. He was predeceased by his father Edison G. Griffin Sr. and sisters Mary and Nina Maselli.



NFA Class Memorial Page

_______________________________________________________________________________