In loving memory of John "Joe" Joseph Griffin Jr.

Obituary

John Joseph Griffin, Jr. (“Joe”), 80, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was a beloved partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Joe was born on April 14, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois to John Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Muriel “Mimi” Griffin. He was raised in Chicago and Glencoe, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida. Joe graduated from Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. At Northwestern he was a notable two-sport Athlete as Captain of the Swim team and a member of the Track and Field team. He was also President (Consul) of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. An English and Creative Writing Major, he always had a way with words, yet his sharp mind for numbers and business intuition led him to a successful brokerage career, following in the family footsteps of his father and Grandfather. He was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and worked at Merrill Lynch and other brokerage firms where he received many awards for his contributions. He was admired for his personal and his business successes in his early career and is known to have helped many establish their own careers in the brokerage arena. Later, Joe shifted his career focus to real estate which he enjoyed for many years while living in Florida.

Over the years, he channeled his competitive nature from field sports into Golf and weekly Bridge games. Joe loved to share time with his partner, friends and family over food and revelry. He was an excellent host and cook. And it would be remiss not to mention his unrivaled sweet tooth. The greatest pride in Joe’s life was his two children and five grandchildren. He and they cherished countless family visits together in Chicago, Atlanta and Florida over the years.

Joe was preceded by his mother, Muriel “Mimi” Griffin and father John Joseph Griffin, Sr. He is survived by his loving partner of 45 years, David Kopp; devoted children Megan (Eric) Crump and Ryan (Lindsey) Griffin; dear sister Joan Griffin Merlo; loving Grandchildren Morgan and Caitlyn Crump, Joey, Kate and Charlie Griffin and caring niece and nephews Cristina, Michael, and John Merlo. His generous spirit, quick wit and beautiful blue eyes will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held in September for close friends and family in the Chicago area.