Charles Griffin

In Loving Memory of Charles Chester Griffin

With hearts full of love, gratitude, and cherished memories, we announce that our beloved father, Charles Chester Griffin, of Schenectady, New York, peacefully fell asleep in death on June 8, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 8, 1932, in Armstrong, Alabama, to the late Nancy Dykes and Chester Battle, our father lived a life defined by faith, perseverance, commitment, and unwavering devotion to family. Though we mourn his passing, we are comforted by the countless memories he leaves behind and the extraordinary example he set for all who knew him.

Daddy's story began in the rich soil of rural Alabama, where he helped his grandfather, Colonel Griffin, and loving grandmother, Carrie Bell Griffin, tend the family farm in Fort Davis, just outside Tuskegee. Those early years shaped the hardworking, dependable, and resilient man he would become. He often spoke fondly of attending sporting events at Tuskegee University with his brother, Hiawatha, and spending treasured time fishing, golfing, and hunting with his Uncle Otis Griffin and other family members.

Like so many of his generation, our father was not afraid of hard work or new beginnings. He ventured to Florida before eventually settling in Albany, New York, where he met his wife, our mother, Beatrice. Together they built a family grounded in love, strength, and commitment.

A proud and dedicated worker, Daddy spent many years in the steel industry before becoming a journeyman ironworker with Iron Workers Local 12. Over a distinguished 31-year career, he helped shape the skylines and infrastructure of communities throughout the Capital District, New York State, Washington, D.C., and Florida. His skilled hands contributed to projects that still stand today, including the Empire State Plaza and The Egg Center for the Performing Arts. His work was more than a job, it was a legacy of craftsmanship, determination, and pride.

To family and friends, he was known affectionately as "Fist," "Fish," and to our mother, simply "Fisher." To us, he was Daddy, the steady presence we could always depend on. Our father was not the kind of man who expressed himself with long speeches or grand declarations. He expressed love by getting up every day and doing what needed to be done. He worked hard. He kept his commitments.

After retiring on July 1, 1992, he devoted even more of his time to the people he loved most. Whether taking grandchildren to school, cooking, lending a helping hand to family and friends, offering advice, or simply showing up when he was needed, Daddy gave generously of himself. His love was not expressed through grand gestures but through consistency, sacrifice, and quiet acts of kindness that spoke volumes.

Most importantly, our father loved Jehovah and cherished his faith. He was baptized on October 3, 2009, and became a devoted member of the South Schenectady Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, where he faithfully served for more than 17 years. His ministry brought him immense joy, and he treasured the spiritual family he gained through his service to Jehovah.

Daddy leaves behind five daughters who were blessed to call him their father and will carry their love and respect for him in their hearts: Gloria Griffin-Smith, June Griffin, Margaret Horne, Terry Brooks-Griffin, and Charlotte Griffin. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we are profoundly grateful to have been blessed to him as an example in our life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Dykes; his adored aunt, Mary G. Martin; his sister, Gloria Clark; his brother, Hiawatha Griffin; his nephew, Donny Uzzell; his son-in-law, Odell Horne; and numerous adored aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nothing brought Daddy greater joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved each of them deeply and took tremendous pride in their lives and accomplishments. His legacy continues through Marvette Davis (Kellen), Trent Griffin-Braaf (Lacey), Ebony Blanchard, Josiah Smith, Kyra Griffin, Tatiana Griffin-Braaf, Talya Griffin-Braaf, DeMetri Blanchard, Genovi Blanchard, Taylor Griffin-Braaf, and Lincoln Griffin-Braaf.

He is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his spiritual family, all of whom were touched by his warmth, generosity, humor, and gentle spirit.

As his daughters, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shared stories, prayers, comforting words, and acts of kindness during this difficult time. It has been a blessing to hear how our father's life touched so many others. He loved people deeply and would want each of you to know how much your friendships, love, and support meant to him.

We extend special thanks to the home healthcare aides who lovingly assisted our family in caring for Daddy at home, as well as the compassionate staff of Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center and Community Hospice. Your kindness, patience, and care brought comfort not only to him but to all of us.

Our father taught us many lessons, but perhaps the greatest was that love is not always spoken, it is lived. We saw it in his sacrifices. We saw it in his work ethic. We saw it in his commitment to family. We saw it in the way he kept showing up, year after year, for the people who depended on him.

We will miss his strength, his wisdom, his stubborn determination, and the quiet way he made us feel secure. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the 94 years we were blessed to have him in our lives and for the examples he leaves behind.

We miss him dearly, but we look forward to the day when we will see him again.

Memorial Services

A memorial service celebrating Charles's life will be held at the Schenectady Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1720 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

In Lieu of Flowers

Memorial contributions may be made in Charles's memory to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Attn: Donor Support, 900 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-5200, or at donate.jw.org.