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GRIFFITHS DAVID EDWARD
DAVID EDWARD GRIFFITHS
David Edward Griffiths, 81, died peacefully September 25, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Survivors include his devoted wife of 55 years, Jane (Jackson); daughters, Karen Leary (Doug), Anne Griffiths, Amy Burnett (George), Gwen McCuaig (Todd); and grandchildren, Jane, Kim, Julie, David, Sarah, Robert, David, Margaret, Anna and Evan. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard E. Griffiths. David was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1947 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1951 where he majored in Politics and Government and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His enlistment into service during the Korean War postponed his plans for law school. He eventually earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1956. In 1959 he formed a law practice with James Woodward and practiced in Chagrin Falls for over 50 years. As of 2010, it was the longest running business in town. He was a trusted and dependable adviser to hundreds of clients from all walks of life and a well-known judge. Throughout Cuyahoga and Geauga counties he was known as the Dean of Attorneys.
David was a valued, respected and active member of the Ohio Wesleyan Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2003 and then as a Life Trustee from 2004 until his death. He also served on the Alumni Board and was awarded Ohio Wesleyan’s Alumni Award in 1986. He was the heart and soul of the university’s campaigns, recruitments and alumni life. In 2006, to honor his passionate dedication to his alma mater, his children established the David E. and Jane J. Griffiths Endowed Scholarship at Ohio Wesleyan. Recipients are chosen from northeastern Ohio and are recognized for their potential to be outstanding leaders on campus. David was a founder of both Chagrin Valley Times newspaper and the Liberty State Bank. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Chagrin Falls, serving as Trustee and on several boards. He enjoyed sponsoring and attending Blossom Music Center concerts and helping with the filming of “The Gathering” in Chagrin Falls in 1977, opening his home to producers, directors and actors. David always felt it was a privilege and a duty to vote and participate in public service. He was Republican ward leader for 30 years and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Chagrin Valley Jaycees. As a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, he was the oldest player to attend the Tribe’s Fantasy Camp in Arizona in January 2011 where he became known as “The Judge”. David was a member of the Masons chapter Golden Gate Lodge #245. Most recently, he enjoyed summer weekends at his Chautauqua Lake house.
David was kind to all he met and treated people with respect and dignity. He had a way of connecting people and bringing groups together. David helped and mentored students, young alumni and newcomers to the Cleveland area, always making them feel welcomed and appreciated. It was with his family, however, that David found his greatest joy and fulfillment. David’s warmth, kindness, friendliness, patience and joy in life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Stroud Lawrence Funeral Home, 95 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, OH. The memorial service will be held Sunday, October 2, 2011, at 3:00 pm at The Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, OH to be officiated by Rev. Rock Jones and Rev. Lynn Snider. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the David E. and Jane J. Griffiths Endowed Scholarship, OWU, Mowry Alumni Center, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH, 43015, Attn: Lori.
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