Edward "Ned" Griffin

Edward J (Ned) Griffin, 88, of Morton Grove, IL, died peacefully on January 30, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (Molly) Maloy Griffin (Oct 2018), as well as his two brothers, Thomas (1986) and Eugene (2003). He is survived by his five children, Edward (Charlotte), Kathleen, Thomas (Patty), John and James (Laura), and his seven grandchildren: Connor, Renée, Claire, Ashley, Colin, Thomas and Patrick. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Sue Griffin of Aurora, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

Ned was born in Evanston, Illinois on December 10, 1932 to Thomas J Griffin and Bernadette (Lavin) Griffin.  The family moved from Chicago to Knoxville, Tennessee when Ned and his two brothers were still young.  He graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1950.  Those who knew Ned only as an adult never would have guessed that he once had a strong southern accent (which he could revert to at will).

Ned enrolled at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 1950, where he was in the undergrad class of 1954.  Ned took advantage of the combined six year undergrad/law program then offered by Notre Dame, and obtained his undergraduate Bachelor degree in Accounting in 1955 and his law degree in 1956. While attending the Notre Dame law school, Ned taught accounting at the University and served on and published in the Notre Dame Law Review. It was also while in law school that Ned met his best friend and future bride, Molly Maloy of Lorain, Ohio, while she was attending Saint Mary’s College.  Ned and Molly wed in September 1956, and remained very happily married and dedicated to each other for more than 62 years.  They raised their five children in Morton Grove, a community where their neighbors were like family.

Ned practiced as a litigator and as a utility lawyer for more than 50 years at the law firm of Defrees & Fiske in Chicago (after Ned retired, Defrees merged with and is now known as Howard & Howard).  When he was not practicing law, Ned and Molly could often be found on the golf course.  Ned finally accomplished his goal of golfing his age when he turned 80.

Ned volunteered much of his time in the community, including many years of service on the Morton Grove Public Library Board.  He also was a dedicated and active member at Saint Isaac Jogues Parish in Niles, IL, where he served on the Parish Board and in many other roles.  The parish could always count on Ned’s oratory skills to help them meet their annual fundraising goals.   His compassion for others, faith, and strong moral code served as a great example for his children and all who knew him.

Visitation will be 9:30am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, Saturday, Feb. 6 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela Street, Barrington. Burial will be private at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.

Virtual attendance is strongly encouraged due to COVID concerns. Access the livestream here at 11 am on Saturday 2/6

https://vimeo.com/event/667308/1f20d8dff3

The family will plan another celebration of life at St Isaac Jogues Church in Niles, IL when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ned’s memory may be made to: Catholic Charities of Chicago

CatholicCharities.net/DonateNow/GeneralDonations