Richard B. “Dick” Griswold, 84

April 18, 2019

Richard B. “Dick” Griswold, 84, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Wethersfield, CT, peacefully passed away on April 18, 2019 at Moravian Manor, two days before his birthday. Born in Greenfield, MA, he was the son of the late Harold Dean and Evelyn (Oates) Griswold, and the beloved husband of Norma (Jose) Griswold of 62 years. Together they raised two sons.

Dick received a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine. Following graduation, he went on to serve his country proudly as a member of the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. After his discharge, Dick accepted a position with Pratt & Whitney as a mechanical engineer.

During his time at Pratt & Whitney, Dick became interested in computer science and decided to pursue that interest. Following a three-year period of self-employment while earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Science by taking night classes at RPI’s Hartford, CT branch, he took a position as Manager of Scientific Computing Systems at Terry Steam Turbine. After graduation, he secured several positions at United Technologies subsidiaries, Sikorsky Aircraft, Diesel Systems, and Otis Elevator, helping engineers leverage computer technology. Following his retirement from Otis Elevator in 1997, he and Norma enjoyed being winter snow birds in Florida for 15 years.

Dick loved music, playing bells, and singing bass in his church choirs and the Lancaster, PA-based Wesley Singers. He greatly enjoyed the natural beauty of Maine and Connecticut by camping, sailing, and boating. He will be remembered for his winsome smile, great sense of humor, and positive spirit. He was compassionate and had a heart for people. A good listener, he enjoyed learning peoples’ names and stories. Dick was quick to make friends, and many of those friendships lasted his lifetime. He was very involved in a variety of church ministries at Wethersfield United Methodist Church, CT for 53 years, was an associate member of First United Methodist Church of Naples, FL, and became an active member of Lititz Church of the Brethren after moving to Lititz.

Dick cherished his family and is survived by sons Richard (“Rick”), husband of Meredith (“Scottie”) of Lititz, PA, and Ted, husband of Sharon of Independence, KY, and five grandchildren Johanna, Brianna, and Andrew of Lititz, and Megan and Michael of Independence, KY. Dick is also survived by sister, Janice, of Springfield, VA, and was preceded in death by his brother Robert of Newton, NC, and sister, Marieta Wendler of Mission Viejo, CA.

A Memorial Service will be held May 17, 2019 at 11:00am at Lititz Church of the Brethren located at 300 W. Orange St. Lititz, PA 17543. Guests will be received for a visitation prior to the service starting at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory can be made to Moravian Manor “Attn: Benevolent Care Fund” 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz, PA 17543 or to Lititz Church of the Brethren “Attn: Tree House Fund” 300 W. Orange St. Lititz, PA 17543.