William Joseph "Dutch" Griffin Jr.'s Obituary
William “Dutch” Joseph Griffin Jr. passed away on Friday; March 27, 2026 at the age of 98 1/2. He was born in Mandeville on August 20, 1927.
He is survived by his daughter, Jill Farrish (Gibb), and grandson, Griffin Farrish. He is also survived by numerous sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Ruth Morgan Griffin; his parents Ruby Glockner Griffin and William Joseph Griffin, Sr.; and his brother, Wilfred Clay Griffin, Sr.
Dutch loved Mandeville. He thought it was the greatest place on earth and never saw any reason to live anywhere else. He grew up in Mandeville when it was a small community of permanent residents that would support summer residences for New Orleans. His grandfather owned and operated Griffin’s Bakery. He experienced the slow growth of Mandeville from board roads to shell roads to blacktop roads to the Causeway and now to the explosive growth including multi lane highways.
Dutch was exceptionally bright. He had an inquisitive mind especially towards mechanical interworking of objects. He became a master mechanic as a profession and hobby. His passion was working on American made cars, preferably Fords. He also was a craftsman in restoring antique automobiles whether it was a Model T or a 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible plus many more. In the 1960’s Dutch owned a Mobil Gas Station located at the intersection of Monroe Street and North Causeway Boulevard. He travelled from Mandeville to Michoud now known as New Orleans East to work on high propulsion engines at the Chrysler plant. He also worked professionally for two Departments of the State of Louisiana. First he worked at the State of Louisiana Southeast Hospital which was a true gem that is no longer here. His second State job was with the State of Louisiana Department of Elections . He retired from the Department of Elections in 1983.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA 70448 on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon with visitation at church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow in the Mandeville Cemetery.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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