Elsworth “Butch” J. Griffin Jr. of Oneonta (formerly Franklin) entered into eternal rest Sept. 16, 2021 after a courageous battle with failing health.
He was born Nov. 24, 1942 to Elsworth J. and Marie (Stewart) Griffin and lived most of his life in Franklin. He married Deborah J. Herklotz on March 28, 2014 and together they made their home at St. James Retirement Community in Oneonta.
Griff graduated from Franklin Central School in 1960 and then from the Royal Barber Academy, Schenectady. He completed his apprenticeship in Liberty, and then in 1965 he built and opened Griff’s Barber Shop in Unadilla where he served his customers for 36 years. In semi-retirement, he ran his shop out of his home in Franklin until 2007. Since then, one of his favorite pastimes was remembering his former customers and the stories they shared of the “old days” and their family connections. It didn’t matter where he happened to be, it was a rare occasion when he did not run into someone he knew, and would spend some time “catching-up” with them.
He served in the Unites State Army National Guard for six years, was a life member of both the Oneonta Elks Club #1312 and the National Rifle Association, and was a treasurer of Ouleout Valley Cemetery Association for thirty-five years until his retirement.
He spent many memorable days at his camp at Charlie Lake in the Adirondacks. He found much relaxation being outside and taking care of his camp property (which his neighbors referred to as “the park”). After the sale of his camp, Griff and Deb enjoyed getting into their car and taking short, back-road trips around New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont - it was a bonus when they discovered a new antique shop to explore.
He was a former member of the Congregational-Baptist Church and the Plymouth Community Church, both of Franklin. While in Oneonta, he attended The First Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Griffin; his extended family, Steve and Rose Cornell, Earlville; some cousins and several good friends.
His wife sends out her appreciation and thanks to all the doctors and nurses in the Bassett Healthcare Network who took care of Griff’s health needs over the last several years. Your care was a special blessing to Griff and me.
A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, at Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Franklin, with the Rev. Tom Davis officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta.
