Mr. Howard Stanley Griffin Sr.

On February 27, 2025, Howard Stanley Griffin Sr., beloved husband of the late Helen Christina Griffin (nee Harris); dear father of Kathleen Frances Griffin, Carol Marie Smith and the late Howard S. Griffin, Jr.; devoted brother of Susan Standridge, Raymond, Kenneth, Herbert and the late Robert Griffin. Also survived by five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Friends may call at MITCHELL-WIEDEFELD FUNERAL HOME INC. 6500 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 on Friday, March 7th from 12-2 and 4-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St Pius X Church on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 AM. Interment Sherwood Episcopal Church Cemetery, Cockeysville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Howard Griffin to Boys Town, The Original Father Flanagan's Boy's Home, https://www.boystown.org/ . * On February 27th, 2025, Howard Stanley Griffin, patriarch of the family, passed away at age ninety. Howard was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Herbert and Evelyn (White) Griffin, but later raised by his Grandparents Herbert and Gertrude Griffin, for a chance at a better life due to a birth defect that left him with only having fingers on one hand. He was a graduate from Mount Saint Joseph and was one of thirteen (originally a 40-person class) who graduated from an elite program at Johns Hopkins that led him to an internship and career at Westinghouse, NASA division. Howard was known by many names. Griff to numerous friends, Buck (AKA Buck Rogers-for his love and work on SPACE projects) by his best friend Andy (Hover), Poppie (as he was affectionately nick named) to many others, Daddy, and Pop-Pop. He was descended from George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore and Richard Talbott, early Maryland settler. Howard was best known for his love for SPACE. “Buck” was an integral part of the space race where he worked on the X15, radar systems, the Gemini and Apollo programs, and most famously he was part of the design team for the first camera that went to the moon. This was a part of his life until the day he died. He kept up to date on SPACE via email updates from space.com, Facebook groups, and NASA space channel. He loved anything Irish, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the family (especially at O’Brady’s Saloon), attending Irish festivals twice a year, listening to The Shamrogues at the Stihl, and cannot forget the Smithwick and Guinness. Prior to Howard’s wife, Chris getting sick, they spent a lot of time taking long walks, day trips to the mountains and Assateague Island, and enjoying each other’s company. He faithfully took care of Chris for many years after she became ill and until her death in 2014. Howard was also a beautiful artist. Whether it was painting, stained glass, gold gilding picture frames, he could do it. He was a gardening legend and started all his own seeds every year. His backyard was always a rainbow of colors bringing in all sorts of birds and butterflies. Howard loved to fish, hike, take day trips, and cook. He also loved all sports, but especially football and The Ravens. Howard was the loving husband of Helen Christina (nee Harris), devoted father of Carol Smith, Kathleen and the late Howard Griffin, Jr. Grandfather to his very special grandchildren, Christina, George, Michael, Gregory, and Grace. Great Grandfather to McKenna (Mac). He was a cherished brother to Raymond, the late Robert, Herbert and Kenneth Griffin, and Susan Standridge. He was Uncle to many. He was best friend to Andy Hovanac and Andy to him. Fly High Poppie! You can finally see space, the one thing you love more than your children! We Love You

Mr. Howard Stanley Griffin Sr.

July 26, 1934 - February 27, 2025