Obituary of William H. Griffiths

William H. Griffiths, age 77, passed away Monday, November 15, 2010 after a long-term battle with lung disease. Bill, the son of Glenn and Mildred Griffiths, was a lifelong resident of the Akron area. He was raised in Cuyahoga Falls and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1951. He studied pharmacy at Ohio Northern University. Upon graduation in 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Catherine Haas and raised two boys. Bill worked as a pharmacist at Akron City Hospital and a number of drug stores in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. He retired from CVS in 1995. Most recently he lived in Silver Lake, Ohio. Bill is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 55 years; and two sons, Barry Griffiths and his wife, Donna of Lexington, Massachusetts and Gordon Griffiths and his wife Karen of Silver Lake. Bill is also survived by his four grandsons, Cpt. Zachary Griffiths of Ft. Benning, Georgia, Benjamin Griffiths of Boston, Massachusetts, and Steven and Neil Griffiths of Silver Lake; and sister, Joan (Jim) Ruby of Akron. Bill frequently professed to be inordinately proud of all of his progeny. Bill had a good sense of humor and a quick wit. This often resulted in questionable puns, which were generally either tolerated or ignored by his many good friends. He also enjoyed more serious debates with his friends, though he eventually realized that these discussions were not as important as his friendships were. Bill also possessed a very keen mind and maintained his sense of intellectual curiosity throughout his life. He read extensively and was interested in a wide range of subjects, including, but not limited to, history, politics, science, botany, photography, ornithology and squirrel gymnastics. Prior to his illness, he also enjoyed hiking, bicycling and traveling with his lovely wife. He considered life, like travel, to be a journey to be fully explored and enjoyed, regardless of the ultimate destination. Calling hours will be held Saturday from the hours of 4 to 6 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home McGowan-Reid & Santos Chapel, 247 Stow Ave. (one block North of Portage Trail at 3rd St.) in Cuyahoga Falls. A Private memorial service will be held. Inurnment will be at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cuyahoga Valley Parks Association or Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation. (Anthony Funeral Homes, 330-928-1313, www.anthonyfh.com)