Roland "Joe" S. Griffey

Roland “Joe” S. Griffey, 89, of Conneaut, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at University Hospital, Cleveland. He was born September 15, 1935 in Conneaut, the son of Osmer and Nydia (Strong) Griffey.

Joe graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he was owner of “Joe's Gulf Station” and worked for Baileys Manufacturing.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Conneaut Moose Lodge #472 where he had been past governor, and the Conneaut American Legion Cowle Post 151. Joe had a love for cooking and was known as “chicken Joe” for countless years at Raceway 7 and was always serving meals for the Moose summer picnics. His bartending experience was top notch and could always be found at many weddings and events alongside his dear friend who catered the events Johnny Zappitello.

Joe played Santa through the years for many events and the elderly shut ins. He enjoyed bowling, and bowled with the Legion, Moose and Post Office teams, Nascar, local racing at Raceway 7 where he sponsored a few cars, and was an avid Cleveland sports fan.

He was a devoted son helping care for his mother after her stroke, and he was a wonderful father and friend. Joe supported his children in sports and the Conneaut football team. Spending time on his tractor was what he did most, he had more miles on his tractor than any vehicle he owned.

Survivors include his children Robin (Tony) Bambauer of Erie, Rita (Stephen) Chartier of Sebastian, FL, Rod (Tammi) Griffey of Conneaut, and Ryan (Vicki) Griffey of Goose Creek, SC; granddaughter Nicole (Kyle) Yencho; great-granddaughters Adalee, Nora and Olivia Yencho; step-grandchildren Payton and Alexis Flesher; and his sister Janice Albrycht of Englewood, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth Griffey; infant son Roger; brother Gordon Griffey; and sister Carol Wilson.

Celebration of life will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Private burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to Feed Our Vets, 433 Center St., Ashtabula, OH 44004, or The Human Resource Center, Conneaut, OH 44030. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com. 

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