Gregory J. Griffin

Albany - Gregory Joseph Griffin passed away on December 24, 2024 at the age of 65 after a brief illness.

Greg was born October 23, 1959 in Syracuse, NY to his loving parents, John and Jane Griffin. He attended school at Most Holy Rosary and participated in many extracurricular activities. He started his sales career early on by selling newspapers for the Post Standard. After high school, Greg attended Onondaga Community College and then SUNY Oswego, where he met Lou Ann, his wife of 40 years. Greg and Lou Ann settled in Albany, NY and raised two daughters. After retiring from B-Lann Equipment, he dedicated his life to helping as many people as he could.

Family was at the core of Greg's heart. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he cherished the moments when family gathered together, especially during holidays. Those times of shared laughter, stories, and memories were his greatest joy. Greg's daughters knew that no matter the distance, he was always just a phone call away, ready to drive across the country to be by their side. His unwavering love and commitment to his family nurtured deep bonds and left an enduring legacy of love.

Throughout Greg’s life, rugby has been a constant presence. From playing with the Harlequins in Syracuse, the club at Oswego, coaching for RPI, and finally the Albany Knicks – where over 41 years was a player, captain, coach, and hall of fame inductee. The brotherhood he found in rugby provided companionship, laughter, adventure, and endless stories.

Greg was predeceased by his parents, John and Jane Griffin.  He is survived by his wife Lou Ann, daughters Jenn (Chris) Austen, and Amy (Anthony) Campanella, brothers Jeffrey (Patti) Griffin, and Scott (Marianne) Griffin, grandchildren Hazel, Henry, and Penelope, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Greg’s family on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10:00 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, 900 Madison Ave., Albany. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lustgarten Foundation (504 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11553), or the Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Club Field Fund (Venmo @AlbanyKnicksRugby or PO Box 1654, Albany, NY 12201) To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com