Retired Colonel John Joseph Griffin Jr. age 86 of Plattsmouth, NE passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at his residence.
He was born on December 15, 1932 to John Joseph Sr. and Anna Dora (Arnold) Griffin in Hoosick Falls, NY. John was raised and schooled in Hoosick Falls and he graduated from high school in 1950. Then he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and he proudly served his country for thirty-nine years and ten months. John met the love of his life, Nina Lee Nall and they were later married on March 14, 1953 at McConnell Air Force Base Chapel in Wichita, KS. He attended and graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology. While John was in the US Air Force, they made their home in several different locales, from as far north as Alaska to Florida, and New York to California, and many Air Force Bases in-between, settling in Bellevue, NE in 1985. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as the Director of Maintenance for the Omaha Public Schools. John and Nina built their dream home in Plattsmouth in 2005 and they have resided there since.
John was a lifetime member of the Air Force Association and he was a member Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543 and Hugh J. Kerns American Legion Post #56 both of Plattsmouth.
He is survived by his three sons: John J. Griffin III and wife Cheryl of Papillion, NE; William M. Griffin and ex-wife Erin of Bellevue, NE; Patrick E. Griffin of Plattsmouth, NE; two daughters: Katherine A. Cuadros and husband Ricardo of San Antonio, TX; Theresa M. Youngken and husband James of Vancouver, WA; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother: Robert Griffin and wife Anne of Albany, NY; sister: Marilyn Leeseman and husband Charles of Hoosick Falls, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: John Sr. and Anna Griffin and his wife: Nina Griffin.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE.
His final resting place will be at Omaha National Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by Offutt Air Force Base Military Rites Team of Bellevue, NE.
Memorials to the Family (A suitable charity will be chosen at a later date).
Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Ave. A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome.com