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Joseph Thomas Griffin June 8, 1943 - December 29, 2019

Joseph Thomas Griffin

Jun. 8, 1943 ~ Dec. 29, 2019

Joseph Thomas Griffin, age 76, was called home by God on Sunday, December 29, 2019 in Modesto, California.

He was born on June 8, 1943 to Joseph Glenn and Mildred Ann Griffin in Colusa, California.  Joe spent his childhood tending to the family farm and graduated from Colusa High School where he met the love of his life, Patricia Ballard.  Joe and Patty married in 1966 while he was attending California State University, Chico where in 1968 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy with an option for crop production. He also pursued graduate studies at UC Davis and Rutgers University. After graduation, he worked at the largest fruit and vegetable cannery in the world, Del Monte in San Leandro before pursuing a career in banking in Davis, California with Wells Fargo and later in Turlock, California at Farmers and Merchants Bank.

Joe enjoyed his career, but his passion was travel and adventure.   A constant traveler and seeker of new experiences, Joe travelled the world with family and friends.  He was equally as excited to travel through Europe for three months in a camper van as he was to experience new places on a luxury cruise ship.

His thirst for adventure was never quenched.  Joe relished flying his airplane into unexplored places, offroad motorcycle riding, boating on Turlock Lake, whitewater kayaking with friends, and taking long walks with his beloved dogs.  He would talk effortlessly about geography, politics, history, entertainment news, nature, travel and everything in between!

Joe lived life to its fullest.  He filled the world with love and laughter through his carefree sense of adventure.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.   He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia Griffin, his children James Griffin (Eileen) and Ashley Williams (Jeff), grandchildren Grace Griffin, Grant Griffin, Kate Williams, Elle Williams, and Brody Williams, sister Sherry Prater and many loving friends.

We will remember Joe at a funeral service on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 4:00p.m. at Allen Mortuary in Turlock, California followed by a celebration of life reception.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Golden Age Home Care (Marenila Placinter and Rose Ann Aler and especially Alan Aler for his devotion and love for Joe) and Optimal Hospice for their support in his final days.

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Condolences(11)

  1. Paul Swink says
    February 4, 2020 at 6:41 am

    I met Mr. Griffin almost eight years ago, his zeal for life and traveling adventure was contagious. A big hearted man who will be missed by many. Thank you for sharing some of those adventures with us. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -Saint Augustine

  2. stephanie prater says
    February 4, 2020 at 6:27 am

    Tomorrow will be one month since my uncle Joe has passed. His love and passion for life, his family, travel, and a good glass of red wine was always evident. He was a wonderful big brother to my mom and a great uncle to me. He was adored by his grandchildren and was always the life of the party as he was just one big kid! He always had a smile on his face and a practical joke to play, As my mom so eloquently spoke at his service, we love you today, tomorrow and always.

  3. Cliff Hanks says
    January 4, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Joe and I knew each other @ Wells Fargo Bank. We started about the same time in 1968 on the management training program. We would cross paths in our career throughout bank and industry meetings. We last talked at an industry meeting in Sacramento a few years ago, and also in Lodi, where I was the branch manager, and I think he was the same in turlock. I always enjoyed sharing with Joe when we saw each other. He was a very nice person. I found out later that we both went to Yuba College, and I went to Wheatland UHS, and Sacramento State.

  4. Tony nguyen says
    January 4, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Patty, I’m so sorry to hear about Joe. Both of you have been so nice to me. You always have remembered me on your trips. You’re I’m my thoughts and prayers.

  5. Rosita and Chuck Bowen says
    January 4, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    Sweet Joe Griffin… He always had a hand out to shake, a warm hug along with his sweet smile. We have never forgotten how he helped our son in high school obtain his first loan to purchase his truck. And was always there for the entire community in the banking world. Our hearts to go out to you Patty and your family. Joe will be missed.

  6. Denise M Gutierrez-Brown says
    January 4, 2020 at 4:53 am

    My mom (Anita Brown Gutierrez) and my aunt (Beverly Brown D’Emilio) always told funny stories about Joe. How he would play practical jokes on them and how they were both scared of babysitting him becuase of all the antics he would pull…..and he was only 4 years old.

    They both also spoke of his kindness, big heart and sense of humor.

    I will not be able to attend the funeral but will be there in spirit. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Rest in Peace Joe. You were truly loved and adored.

  7. Sherry Prater says
    January 3, 2020 at 4:04 pm

    Joe what a beautiful blessing you were.
    The many things you’ve done for me. All the times you were there for me.
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so very thankful to have had you as my brother.
    Your absence will be acutely felt by so many.
    You smile, your sense of humor and your intellect could not be beat!
    Your stay with us was much too short. Although, now you are in Heaven, my wonderful memories of my big protective brother will always be in my thoughts.
    Love,
    your grateful sister, Sherry

  8. Don & Jean Bothun says
    January 1, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Our hearts are with you on the passing of your dear Joe❤️
    You had been a faith care giver to your sweet husband.
    Know we love you and care. Blessings to your family as well

  9. Jean Bothun says
    January 1, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    My heart is with you Patty
    The passing of your dear Joe❤️
    You have been by his side, faithful care giver, showing your love He is now at peace Know Patty ,Don & Jean want you to know we care and love you. Love to your family as well
    Blessings sweet friend

  10. Amy Bublak & Milton Richards says
    January 1, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    There was no finer person than Joe Griffin. I met Patty and Joe almost 20 years ago when I became the Athletic Director at Cal State Stanislaus. He introduced me to several members of the community as did Patty, and he was always there when I needed advice. He was a very caring person, flying all the way to Syracuse New York to attend my Dad’s funeral. Amy and I will miss his jocularity and our lifetime discussions which were always quite spirited. Rest in piece Joe.

  11. Patty griffin says
    January 1, 2020 at 5:35 am

    I love you so and miss you so much!! Your sweet loving smile, sense of humor, joy of travel, kindness to the needy and your daily loving words.
    You were a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We all love and miss you.
    Our shock over your sudden and totally unexpected passing has not subsided.
    You were a joy and.the love of my life!! You will always be in my heart!
    You were truly an amazing man!

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