Richard “Rich” V. Griffitts

Richard “Rich” V. Griffitts, 70, of Springfield, died at 8:05 am, Thursday, September 23, 2021, at his home.

Rich was born September 22, 1951, in Fort Belvoir, VA, the son of Harry H. and JoAnna M. (Koehler) Griffitts. He married his sweetheart, Diana Tippett on February 13, 1971, in Springfield.

Rich grew up with 4 sisters and 1 brother in Springfield. As a kid, he loved spending time playing ball in the Khoury League and bowling at King Pin Lanes. He went to Riverton and Lanphier High Schools and proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. He worked with his dad, Harry, at Griffitts Construction for over 35 years. After that, he became the “Killer of Termites” for Sentinel Pest Control until his retirement in June 2021.

Rich was happily married to his loving wife, Diana, for over 50 yrs. In his spare time, Rich loved playing and watching sports, spending time with his family and friends, and most of all bowling. He was a former longtime member of the Prop Club where he made many lifelong friends playing softball and having fun at the lake. He was a bowler at King Pin Lanes for over 60 years, where he met his wife. He bowled many perfect 300 games and had numerous 800 series and other high achievement awards. He also spent many years playing softball at the Brown Bomber and Four Seasons. Rich was an avid golfer in the Wednesday Night Golf League for over 10 years. He and golf partner, Terry Mitro, were 2-time league champions winning in 2016 and most recently in 2021. Rich was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, and friend. He was loved by his family and friends and will be missed tremendously.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; two daughters, April (Jack) Wolford of Springfield, and Wendy (J.R.) Brehmer of Indianapolis; his father, Harry Griffitts of Riverton; four sisters, Roxanna (Elmer) Wardell of Buffalo, Tammie (Butch) Monier of Port Charlotte, FL, Lori Simmering and Lona (Curt) Boggs of Riverton. Rich was a proud Grandpa and Pawpaw to four grandchildren, Jenna, Brandy, Taylor, and Sienna; and five great grandchildren, Erin, Gage, Nicholina, Arabella, and Damien; and close friends, Tom (Shirley) Fish and Shane (Cindy) Prater, all of Springfield. Rich also leaves behind numerous extended family members and many friends that cared and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnna Griffitts; brother, Timothy Griffitts and brother-in-law, Kirby Simmering.

Memorial Gathering: 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday, October 4, 2021, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Memorial Service: 7:00 pm, Monday, October 4, 2021, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Rev. David W. Gessaman and Rev. Robert Dykman officiating.

CDC protocol shall be followed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Research or Memorial Home Hospice:

Cancer Research Donation at the Simmons Cancer Institute: https://forwardfunder.siumed.edu/project/19216

Memorial Medical Center Foundation: https://www.memorialmedical.com/memorial-medical-center-foundation/giving/make-a-gift-now

©2021 All Content Obituary Systems