- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Bernard Griffin
Much like when John Wayne remarked “I’m the stuff men are made of”, Bernie always had a sense of rugged strength. Never one to stay in life’s slow lane, even his high school yearbook remarked he was “always in stitches”. He wrecked a few cars in his youth, but as he grew older he found out that although four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. Clear weather, his Harley and a trip through the Pines often made for the perfect day. But Bernie never limited his outdoor adventures to just the paved world; he loved to fish and hunt. He was a crack shot and always hit his target. He didn’t have a story about the one that got away. And although he wasn’t the type of guy to show weakness, he was never quiet about how much he cared about his family. Whether it was his wife and kids, grandkids, his many brothers and sister-in-laws, or even his beloved yellow lab, Cody, they all knew they were the most important thing to him.
There is never anything fun about a hernia operation. But while recovering from one, Bernie met a young woman named Cathy (nee Bucchi) who had accompanied a mutual friend to visit him. Together, they made their home in Riverside and were blessed with 42 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children: Melissa Clemens (Jeff) of Roebling, Bernie (Donna) of Delanco and Shawn of Riverside, his grandchildren: Shannon, Cory “Kiddo” and Danielle, his brothers: Jim (Lynne), Billy (Carol), Joe (Liz), Danny (Margaret), Andrew (Sue), Brendon (Annette) and Mark (Debbie) as well as by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Griffin and his faithful dog, Cody.
Come celebrate Bernie’s 67 wonderful years (June 9, 1946 – July 20, 2013) on Thursday, July 25th at 4 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro St., Riverside, NJ 08075. The service will be at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the family via the funeral home’s address.
15 Comments
My sincere and deepest sympathy go out to Cathy and the Griffin family. RIP Bernie, God bless you!
I will always remember Bernie sitting out on his front porch. He and Cathy together, with Cody by his side! Or hearing the rumble of his motorcycle as he and Cathy went off to enjoy a beautiful day. He was a good neighbor, always there to help out. My sincerest sympathy, prayers and thoughts are with Cathy and his family.
Cathy,
God Bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. Bernie is in my prayers, he was a good man, husband,father,friend.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Griffin family….you are all in our thoughts and prayers….Bernie was a great father, grandfather and husband to his family, I will definitely miss our rides throught the pines on the bikes or hanging out at Bernie and Donna’s….Aunt Kathy we love you all……may God Bless you all….RIP Bernie<3 Gone but never forgotten<3
we are so sorry for your loss. Take it day by day. Wish I could say it gets easier. Remember all the good times you had with him.
What a beautifully written tribute to a wonderful person. Cathy, Bernie and Shawn ourheart breaks for you at this time. Also, to all of the Griffin Brothers (and the extended family) we want to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. We remember those days playing softball and all of the horseshoes that all of you played together. Bernie loved life and went for it all. He will be sadly missed.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Cathy and family and Bernie’s brothers (and their families). I remember all the good times growing up on Filmore Street with all the Griffin boys and their parents. We are so sorry for your loss and Bernie will be fondly remembered. – Bobby Cowan
He was a good man, he will be sorely missed. God’s speed, “Bernie”
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Bernie and I know he will surely be missed by all of his family and so many others too. He was really great to know and has a wonderful family! I hope his great memories will carry you through these tough times and I pray for all of you. Karen
Cathy & children & the entire Griffin family, I was very shocked & saddend hear of Bernie’s passing. I was very fortunate for the opportunity to become acquainted again with the Griffin family after many years of not seeing you. You are such a close & loving family that I admire. Talking to Bernie & Cathy during our last visits were very special. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am sorry I cannot pay my respect on Thursday as I am out of the state. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, Joanne Fenimire
Cathy, Bernie & Shawn,
Our Deepest Sympathy For Your Loss Bernie Was A Wonderful Person He Will Surely Be Missed By So Many Our Thought And Prayers Are With You We Love You All !!!!
Cathy and entire Griffin Family, I not sure if you would even know who I am but Bernard was my dad’s godson and Bernard’s mom was my great Aunt Lib. I haven’t seen the Jersey side of the family in awhile but I was extremely saddened to hear of Bernard’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Barbara
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Griffin family. I have known the Griffins for more than 50 years and have some fond memories of the EAST END boys. Although I haven’t seen Bernie for many years reading his name in the paper brought tears to my eyes; because of all things in our life our adventures and experiences with our childhood friends seem to be some of our best memories. I apoligize in advance for not attending the services because I am out of town, but my thoughts and prayers will be with Bernie’s family. On a lighter note that is a beautiful Striper Bernie is holding in his picture, one of many good memories he will leave with his family.
Our deepest sympathy to the Griffin family. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor in Bernie and he will truly be missed. Every time he’d fire up his bike my son would run to the front window to see him off. It is a great loss to the neighborhood and to those around here that think so highly of Bernie and his wonderful family. We are always here if you need anything. God Bless.
Jeremy, Aupri, and Max Eubanks
Dear Cathy,
I was shocked to hear of Bernie’s passing. He really loved life and was one of the most caring people I knew. I pray that the good memories that you both shared will carry you through this time of sadness. May the strength of your beautiful family help get you through the difficult times ahead.
With Love and Respect.
Sharon and Rich Rossi and Family