Peter B. Griffin, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 17, 2017 surrounded by his family in Greenwich. Peter is predeceased by his mother and father William and Margaret, his twin brother William and brother Paul. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Elise Funke Griffin, his son Peter B. Griffin Jr, daughter Lisa Griffin McGill and his granddaughters Sydney and Annie McGill.
Peter spent his entire life in the car business. He and his brother Bill started Griffin Ford in New Rochelle NY in 1959. They went on to open Griffin Ford in Greenwich Connecticut and together they became one of the first Lexus dealers in the US.
Peter spent his life devoted to his communities. A tireless supporter of his local hospitals he served multiple times as President of the New Rochelle hospital, on the board of Greenwich hospital for 20 years, and the board of Greenwich Emergency Services.
Peter was an active member of the Watch Hill RI community, serving on boards of the Misquamicut Club, the Watch Hill Yacht Club, the Watch Hill Conservancy, the Watch Hill Fire district, Westerly YMCA foundation, and the Watch Hill Chapel.
Peter had a tremendous love of boating and fishing, but his true love were his friends and family. Known to most as “the Duke”, he was a most giving and gracious person. He was the true definition of a gentle man.
There will be a memorial service in celebration of Peter’s life on June 16th at the Watch Hill Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Peter’s memory to the Greenwich Hospital or Westerly Hospital.
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