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Family, Friends Honor Memory Of Mount Kisco Deputy Mayor Griffin

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. -- Mount Kisco Deputy Mayor George Griffin Jr. was remembered fondly at his funeral on Monday morning, which was held just days after his death from cancer on Christmas Eve.

Mount Kisco police and firefighters serve as pall bearers at George Griffin's funeral.

Mount Kisco police and firefighters serve as pall bearers at George Griffin's funeral.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mount Kisco police and firefighters serve as pall bearers at George Griffin's funeral.

Mount Kisco police and firefighters serve as pall bearers at George Griffin's funeral.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
An American Legion color guard lines up along the path where George Griffin's casket was transported.

An American Legion color guard lines up along the path where George Griffin's casket was transported.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

“I will miss my father,” said George Griffin III, who was joined by members of his family at the solemn occasion.

The late deputy mayor’s son, speaking about how his father touched his life, recalled the word “commitment.” In this context, the younger Griffin noted his father’s commitment to family members. He also recalled how his father instilled in him a core value system and recalled how he expected him to see things to the end.

About a 100 people turned out for the funeral, which was held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in downtown Mount Kisco. Several current and former local officials were in attendance, including each sitting village board member.

Mayor Michael Cindrich called his longtime colleague “very caring” and “compassionate.” Cindrich added that Griffin was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Cindrich, touching upon Griffin’s daughter Catherine still attending college, said that her father hoped to see her graduate.

“He loves you very much,” he said.

Father Bill Damroth called Griffin a “friendly individual,” and mentioned meeting with him and a recent request for his last rites.

“He was a part of your life,” Damroth said in his remarks.

The funeral was interspersed with several prayers and hymns.

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, who is Griffin’s nephew, said he was “so devoted to his community.” Touching upon Griffin’s roots, Roach also called him a “great son of White Plains.”

Roach also recalled, when he was a boy, his uncle serving in the Vietnam War.

“He went to Vietnam and his life changed forever,” he said.

Roach also recalled people worrying about his uncle, along with other relatives who served, coming home safe. He added that they did, and remembered his uncle bringing home military headgear.

Griffin, who was a member of the local American Legion post, was nominated to state. Sen. Greg Ball’s Veterans Hall of Fame due to his service in the Army. The ceremony, which involved one of Griffin’s last public appearances, was heavily attended.

A color guard of American Legion members lined up outside of the church as Griffin’s casket was transported to a hearse following the religious services. A bagpiper played a rendition of "Amazing Grace" while the casket was moved. A loud bell started to toll as the bagpiper was winding down.

Mount Kisco police and firefighters served as pall bears for the casket. Griffin’s burial was scheduled for later in the day at a cemetery in Eastchester.

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