Gene Griffin

Scarborough- Gene Griffin, 94, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the Maine Veteran’s Home with his family by his side. Gene was born in Portland on December 23, 1930, son of the late William and Mary (Lane) Griffin.

Gene was a man of great heart, overflowing kindness, and quiet strength, someone who never met a stranger and never forgot a friend. He lived a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and love, and left a lasting impression wherever he went.

Born in 1930, Gene’s early years were spent on 250 acres of government land in Auburn, where his father worked as a caretaker at the U.S. Rifle Range. When World War II broke out, the range became active, and for young Gene, watching the soldiers train was nothing short of thrilling. In 1945, the family moved to Sunset Park in South Portland, and it was there that Gene’s love of sports, especially baseball, truly began to take shape.

Though he loved all sports, Gene realized early on that his true gift was on the baseball diamond. Too small, he thought, for football or basketball, he threw himself into baseball with determination and passion. He became a standout athlete at South Portland High School, playing three years of varsity ball and contributing to the 1948 and 1949 state championship teams, memories he would cherish for life.

After graduating in 1949, Gene was inducted into the Army during the Korean War and spent two years stateside, training recruits for combat. During that time, his baseball skills only sharpened, especially his knuckleball, which caught the attention of a scout from the Milwaukee Braves and earned him an invitation to their spring training camp in Waycross, Georgia, in 1953. But life had other plans.

That same year, at a dance at the Stevens Avenue Armory, he met Joanne Russo. Their first date was at the Saco Drive-In, and by Christmas Eve they were engaged. They married the following October, honeymooned in New York City, and began their life together in Portland. It was the beginning of a love story that would span more than 65 years.

Gene soon began a 38-year career at the Portland Press Herald, working nights as a compositor and eventually becoming a foreman in the Composing Room. He loved his work, his colleagues, and his routine, so much so that he only called out sick once in nearly four decades. Meanwhile, Joanne worked at New England Telephone, and together they raised a family built on love, laughter, and teamwork.

Gene poured his heart into coaching his sons in Little League, and later, into cheering on his children and grandchildren in every sport they played — from baseball and basketball to fencing, track, and golf. He was the ultimate fan, showing up with pride and enthusiasm, always ready with encouragement and a “way to go”.

After retiring in 1991, Gene and Joanne moved to Vero Beach, FL, where they built lasting friendships and embraced an active retirement. Gene especially loved his time at Dodger Town during spring training, working in the batting cages and talking shop with major leaguers. Whether it was pool, bocce, shuffleboard, golf, bowling, Scrabble, or crosswords — if it involved skill and a little competition, Gene was in.

He was also an incredibly proud and involved grandfather — always quick to brag, always full of pride. In his later years, he spent time volunteering at the Maine Veterans Home, and eventually moved in himself, spending his final three years surrounded by a caring community he came to consider a second family. It was the perfect place for someone like Gene, who could strike up a conversation with anyone and bring light into any room.

A lifelong New England sports fan and especially devoted to his beloved Red Sox , Gene never lost his love of the game. And more than that, he never lost his love for people. He was kind, decent, deeply loyal, and always ready with a story, a laugh, or a helping hand.

His legacy is one of devotion to his country, his family, his community, and the simple joys that made life rich. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world far better than he found it.

Gene was predeceased by his wife, Joanne (Russo) Griffin; his three brothers; and Godparents, Frank and Grace Russo. He is survived by his sons, Bill Griffin and his fiancé, Samantha LeBlanc, Tom and his wife Mary Griffin, and Tim and his wife Carla Griffin; grandchildren, Justin, Kristina Griffin and her husband, Ethan Standel, Anthony, Michael and his wife Linda, Kelsey and her husband Joe Orbaczewski, Sean Griffin, Emily Griffin and her husband Tommy Larason, and Chloe Griffin; great grandchildren, Aubrey and Owen Orbaczewski; sister-in-law, Marylou Brindisi; and many beloved extended family members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Maine Veterans’ Home—an organization that held a meaningful place in Gene’s heart, where he once volunteered and later became a resident. Deep gratitude is also extended to Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care and comfort they provided in Gene’s final days, as well as to Dr. Farino and Dr. Sprague of MaineHealth for their dedicated medical care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gene’s memory to the Scarborough Maine Veteran’s Home Activity Fund online at: https://mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/20904

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering and Luncheon from 11am – 1pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Gene’s memorial page, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.