Michael Griffith: Rest in Peace
I was saddened to hear of the death of Michael Griffith on Monday of the past week. I met Michael in 1977 while we were freshmen at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School. He was a smooth student from West Philly who also played a musical instrument. Mike and I did not have many classes together. We hung out by way of the Black Culture Club and Prep parties. Mike drove me home from a prom one night because he had access to a car and I was on SEPTA. His wife was working at Cigna when my wife was working there. He had two children. He was a Temple University graduate. I hear that his daughter is a student at Princeton. I know she is taking his loss hard.
When Mike was working at Price Waterhouse and I used to see him downtown occasionally. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and I am quite sure that his fraternity brothers are shocked also. Mike turned fifty-three in March and was living life to the fullest. I admired the friendship that he had with Derrick Redcross. Those two were super tight. From haircuts to just hanging out, they had a tight bond. Derrick told me that Mike wasn't feeling well after a business trip to Chicago. He succumbed after not feeling well. Mike had met my sister in Law, Mona Smith, through a workshop on IT Auditing. I never knew such careers existed. He was doing his thing career wise.
Mike, Derrick and I, with our wives, attended James Fisher's wedding a few years ago. It was a great time. Fish is the same age as we are. He won't turn 53 until November though. We hung out again last year on St. Joe's campus and had a ball over a few drinks. We met at the Rose Tattoo a few years before that. We were determined not to get together just for funerals. I treasure my Friends that I go back years with. It is kind of hard to make new friendships at this point int time in life. As I look forward to my 53rd birthday in July, God willing, I give praise for my life and my health. I am addressing my high blood pressure through medication and diet changes. I do want to live to see my children grow older. I don't take it for granted though. I will miss you Mike!! Rest in Peace.
P.S. Mike's Home Going service was worthy of a Dignitary. His Omega Psi Phi Brothers numbered at least 150. The church was packed to the hilt. I saw a number of Friends from the Prep. God Bless You Mike,
When Mike was working at Price Waterhouse and I used to see him downtown occasionally. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and I am quite sure that his fraternity brothers are shocked also. Mike turned fifty-three in March and was living life to the fullest. I admired the friendship that he had with Derrick Redcross. Those two were super tight. From haircuts to just hanging out, they had a tight bond. Derrick told me that Mike wasn't feeling well after a business trip to Chicago. He succumbed after not feeling well. Mike had met my sister in Law, Mona Smith, through a workshop on IT Auditing. I never knew such careers existed. He was doing his thing career wise.
Mike, Derrick and I, with our wives, attended James Fisher's wedding a few years ago. It was a great time. Fish is the same age as we are. He won't turn 53 until November though. We hung out again last year on St. Joe's campus and had a ball over a few drinks. We met at the Rose Tattoo a few years before that. We were determined not to get together just for funerals. I treasure my Friends that I go back years with. It is kind of hard to make new friendships at this point int time in life. As I look forward to my 53rd birthday in July, God willing, I give praise for my life and my health. I am addressing my high blood pressure through medication and diet changes. I do want to live to see my children grow older. I don't take it for granted though. I will miss you Mike!! Rest in Peace.
P.S. Mike's Home Going service was worthy of a Dignitary. His Omega Psi Phi Brothers numbered at least 150. The church was packed to the hilt. I saw a number of Friends from the Prep. God Bless You Mike,
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