Robert P. Griffith Jr.

Robert P. (Bob) Griffith Jr., of Ridley Township, died on May 18, at Taylor Hospital. He was 61.

Bob was the only child of Robert Griffith Sr. and Dorothy Griffith. Born at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, he was a graduate of Ridley Senior High School, class of 1977, and later attended Delaware County Community College and Holy Family College. 

Bob served as code enforcement officer for Ridley Township and as the township’s fire marshal. He also served as fire chief of the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association, and was a longtime member of the Holmes Fire Company.

Bob adored his wife, Joan Marie (nee Rinkers), and was proud of her work as a nurse on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They celebrated their 39th anniversary on May 16, 2020. 

He was a devoted dad to his daughters, Courtney Ann and Megan Marie, and always encouraged them to live their best lives. He showed them the way with his own passions and interests. He was known as the “feis dad” for his engagement in the world of Celtic music and Megan’s Irish dancing. He was a fervent fan of the Flyers and the Phillies, and he shared his love for photography with Courtney. He was fascinated by the Navy’s Blue Angels, and he always looked forward to Friday nights at Campbell’s Boat House. 

A firefighter must have at least one Dalmatian, and Bob was a dog dad to two, Angus and Tess.

Bob will be sadly missed by Joan, Courtney, and Megan, the extended Rinkers family, friends he made in Ridley and beyond, and  the entire Delaware County Fire Service, including the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Delaware County Fallen Firefighter and EMS Memorial, P.O. Box 401, Springfield, PA 19064.