Obituary of Ralph W. Griffin

Ralph W. Griffin, 81, of Orrington, ME (formerly of Mapleton, ME) passed away on April 8, 2021 in the comfort and privacy of his own home, surrounded by the love, support, and compassion of his wife and two daughters.

Ralph was born on the family farm in Castle Hill, ME on April 9, 1939 to Ralph W. Griffin and Mildred E. (Belyea) Griffin. He was the youngest of 4 children, raised with strong family values and learned the meaning of hard work and determination. He was extremely proud of his County heritage and Castle Hill roots. He graduated from Mapleton High School, class of 1957, attended Husson College and returned to the life of farming in Castle Hill. After selling the family farm, Ralph later worked for the airline industry, retiring from Delta Air Lines in 1994. In his retirement years, he spent many hours tinkering and refurbishing John Deere lawn tractors. Ralph married his sweetheart, Sherida M. (Hill) Griffin on March 16, 1963. She was his rock, his companion, his constant care giver. They celebrated 58 wonderful years, full of spectacular adventures both on the road and in the air, shared lots of laughs and experienced incredible love.

He was a dedicated father to daughters, Heidi and Gina, always there to guide and support them. He was a very proud grandfather of Jake, Derrick & Ryan. He battled cancer and COPD with the strength and courage of a warrior, rarely complaining, never wanting to be fussed over. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, 3 siblings, Virginia Beal, Vaughn Griffin and Maxine Hotham. He is survived by his wife, Sherida, daughters Heidi Antworth and husband, Scott of Orrington, Gina Bowden and husband, Rick of Levant, grandsons, Jake Antworth and wife, Amanda of Westbrook, Derrick Antworth and girlfriend, Tayller of Orrington, Ryan Bowden of Levant and Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and in-laws.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding care and compassion provided by Northern Light Home Care & Hospice nurses, Laura, Mellissa & others. We would not have been able to travel the journey without them.

A funeral service will be held 1 PM Saturday,  May 22, 2021 at the Mapleton United Baptist Church in Mapleton. Gifts in memory of Ralph can be made to Northern Light Foundation for either Lafayette Cancer Center or Hospice (of Penobscot County), PO Box 931, Bangor ME 04402.Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service. Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com.