Thomas Patrick Griffen

Thomas Patrick Griffen, age 61, beloved husband of Dorothy Griffen (Rusak), of Fairfield, passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Born in the Bronx in 1958 to Charles and Mary Jo Griffen, Tom spent most of his youth in Park Ridge, New Jersey. Tom always loved the outdoors and camping. In adolescence he achieved the highest rank and award attainable through the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout Award and active as an adult leader in his son's achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. He received his Bachelors degree from Boston College in 1981 and later went on to obtain his Masters in Educational Administration from Fairfield University in 1987. Shortly after completing his schooling, he married his beloved Dotty. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1520. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Tom became an advocate for the MS Society and ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), a non-profit organization through which Tom received his service dog, Sterling. In addition to his cherished Dotty, Tom is survived by his two children Bernadette Valenzano (Anthony) and Geoffrey Griffen; his newborn grandson Anthony Thomas Valenzano; his sister, Joanne Rejevich; his brother, Charles Griffen (Diana); several nieces and nephews; as well as his faithful four-legged companion, Sterling. Additionally, he leaves behind brothers and sister-in-laws John Rusak (Suzie), Sam Xerri and William Triandafilos. Thomas is predeceased by his brother he lost early in life, John Griffen, affectionately called "Baby John," as well as his sister Catherine Xerri. Tom's family will be receiving visitors on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Services will be held privately at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Fairfield with interment in Holy Mount Cemetery in Eastchester, New York. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's memory to either the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891,Washington DC 20090-1891, or to ECAD, 149 Newfield Rd, Winsted, CT 06098. For information or to sign an online register, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com