Gerald Michael (Gerry) Griffin was born August 31, 1926, in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, and left this earthly realm on October 3, 2017, in Boynton Beach, Florida, surrounded by his family. After being raised and educated in Ireland, where he was one of eight children of the late Michael and Isabella Griffin, Gerry immigrated to Canada, where he joined the Canadian Merchant Marine and helped transport European refugees after World War II. He subsequently moved to New York, graduated from Fordham Law School, and married Bernadette Malone of Carlow, Ireland.

Gerry and Bernadette raised their three children in Bayside, New York, while Gerry worked as an attorney with Chubb & Son in Manhattan. A proud U.S. citizen, he often returned "home" to his beloved Ireland to visit family and friends. At home in Queens and later in Hampton Bays, Gerry was a generous host who loved to tell jokes, sing (especially "Some Enchanted Evening") and play the piano or organ. After retiring, he and Bernadette bought their dream home in Boynton Beach, where Gerry was always delighted to welcome guests.

Gerry is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years; daughters Marie and Siobhan, son John and daughter-in-law Bonnie, and four grandchildren: Dale and Keira Higgins and Sarah and David Griffin. He will be greatly missed by a loving family across the globe, including his sister Philomena Condron of Ireland; sisters-in-law Marita Malone of Boynton Beach and Mary Malone of Newton, NJ; brother-in-law Henry Malone and wife Mary of Hampton Bays, NY; in-laws Breed and Frank Browne of Ireland and Eilish and Orlando Belli of Italy, and dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as a legion of dear friends.

There will be a visitation from 3:00  --  7:00 PM Thursday, October 5, 2017, at the funeral home.  The funeral mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM Friday, October 6, 2017, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, with entombment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach.