Obituary of Frederick A. Griffen

Frederick Arthur Michael Griffen left this earth on November 9, 2023, one day after his 92nd birthday, and is not returning. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Lorraine (Casey); his children Ann (Paul) Buchman, Michael (Adrienne) Griffen, and Susan (Jay) Zagorskas; grandchildren Claire, John, Nora, Abigail, and Ava; and nephews Brian and Kevin Casey. Fred grew up in the hills of rural Pennsylvania, where he learned to appreciate the natural world through hunting and fishing. He enjoyed sharing that he grew up helping his loving grandfather run the Poyntelle Hotel and attending a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Canisius College, a formative experience that taught him principles of life and the relationship of man to God. Later he obtained law degrees from Georgetown University and Boston University. He served in the United States Marine Corps and embodied the ethics of the Marines throughout his life. He served as an attorney for the Treasury Department in Boston before moving his family to Binghamton in 1966. He established a long career in private law practice culminating at Hinman, Howard & Kattell, where he worked energetically until shortly before his death. Fred would say that probably the reason he worked so long is because he did not believe in being politically correct but thought it important to speak his mind and give correction where appropriate. As notable as Fred's professional accomplishments were, he is most beloved and remembered for his devotion to his wife and family. He was an active and engaged father who offered his children a solid Catholic upbringing. He was a tireless organizer of family events including trips to Disney World, camping trips, winter cross-country ski outings, and annual lake vacations in Canada with extended family. He created decades of shared memories with immediate and extended family including his grandchildren and Casey's brother Bob, his wife Carol, and their children. The adoption of older dogs was a special passion for Fred, evidenced by his and Casey's daily ritual of walking them around Binghamton's west side. His love of the country was profound and evidenced by his abundant patriotic clothing and house decorations and rousing voicemail messages that reminded listeners of American greatness. Fred Griffen was a Christian, a father, a husband and, last but not least, a true American. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.