Cathal ”Griff” Brugha Griffin

Jul. 7, 1933 – Feb. 7, 2016

Resident of Walnut Creek Cathal “Griff” Brugha Griffin, 82, passed away on February 7, 2016 due to complications from pneumonia. Beloved son of the late Daniel and Anna Cottrell Griffin, he was born in San Francisco, CA, where he lived until moving to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, CA in 1993. Griff is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and her family, the Bellomo’s and Reich’s; devoted children Michelle (Tom Parker) and Suzanne; cherished grandsons McKinley and Cameron Parker; and former wife Yvonne. He was predeceased by his brother, Terrence.

Griff graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1951 and the University of San Francisco in 1955. After graduation, he served with the U.S. Army in England, and returned home the proud owner of an Austin Healy. Griff subsequently joined Wells Fargo Bank, where he was employed for over 30 years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed travel, golf, and visits with family and friends. Griff was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, and served as a board member of The United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco. He had very fond memories of visiting his cousins in Ireland: Michael and Joan Cottrell, Paddy and Ann (deceased) Connor, Noel (deceased) and Mary Cottrell and family.

Griff’s wonderful sense of humor and his affable nature enabled him to make friends everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Griff was, in a word, “outstanding.”

Private burial services have been held. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 11am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 1600 Rossmoor Parkway, Walnut Creek, CA, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 or to St. Ignatius College Preparatory, 2001-37th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94116.