Phillip K. Griffin Sr. of Cary, N.C.

CARY, N.C. >> Phillip Karl Griffin Sr.’s honorable journey reached a peaceful conclusion on April 27, 2017. A long-time resident of Oneida, N.Y., Phil passed away surrounded by family and friends at his home in Cary, N.C.

Born in Syracuse on July 28, 1928, Phil moved to Oneida in his early teens. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 and served in the South-Pacific during World War II. One night in 1949, he attended a dance where he met Ruth Hyland of Munnsville after introducing himself as Santa Claus. Phil and Ruth married at the First Presbyterian Church in Oneida on May 12, 1950, without a single elf in sight. Together they worked hard, had fun, and kept moving west. Settling in California to raise their family, Phil was employed by Pacific, Gas, & Electric for 25 years as a lineman, troubleshooter, and foreman. After retiring from PG&E in 1988, he took to the skies and received a pilot’s license in 1991. Phil and Ruth moved back to Oneida in 1995, and every November climbed into their motorhome to spend six months on the open road. Never ones to let grass grow under their feet, the Griffins moved to North Carolina in April 2016.

Phil’s true-blue eyes reflected his character; he was the kind of per- son you could count on. Ethical, kind, and smart with a well-timed wit, he used words and silence in equal measure. A man of faith, Phil believed action spoke louder than shouting, offered thoughtful advice only when asked, and worked until “all the lights were back on.” He poked holes in common beliefs and loved word play; once observing to his young daughter that most women FARD in the car. Curious? Look it up. He’d like that, and you’ll smile.

Phil is preceded by his brother Arthur Griffin, sister Alice Warren, and grandson Kristopher Aguilar.

Surviving family includes Ruth, his traveling partner of 67 years; son, Phillip K. Griffin Jr. of San Francisco; daughter, Janet Griffin and husband Jeff Cheek of Raleigh; granddaughters, Michelle Lopez and Misty Williams of California; greatgrands, Renee, Nicholas, Elias, Isaiah, Bryan, Joshua, and Natalie, all of California; sister-in-law, Abbie Deraway; brothersin-law, Clarence Chesebro, Joseph Miaura, and Bert and Harold Hyland live locally. Nieces/nephews live in New York, Vermont, and Texas.

Phil was a member of the Durhamville Veterans Club, Owl Nest 1606, and the Verona Seventh Day Baptist Church.

Pastor Steven James will officiate a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. on June 3 at the Stockbridge Cemetery in Munnsville, N.Y. A gathering will be held at the Oneida Owl’s Club following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please treat yourself to an ice cream cone.