Steve Pershing Griffin

Steve Pershing Griffin, age 102, a proud Navy Veteran of WW II, and a member of the Greatest Generation, entered into eternal life on May 3, 2021.  Born in New Orleans on September 29, 1918, Steve was the beloved husband of the late Helen Tobin Griffin for seventy-two years.  He was deeply loved by his three daughters, Helen Diane Griffin Hotstream, (Gus, deceased), Darryl Griffin Garner, (J.C., deceased) and Janice Griffin Nick (Robert).  A true hero to all of his family, he is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Chris Garner (Lisa), Wendy Jarred (Scott), Elizabeth Mire (David, deceased), Michael Hotstream, Tammy Nick, Julie Nick Santiago (Franco), and Steven Nick (Katherine) and eight great-grandchildren, Samantha and Emma Santiago, Marcus Garner, Hope Beaver, Brianna, Katie, Gabby and Genevieve Grace Nick and five nephews and one niece.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, Maggie Riley Griffin and Stephen M. Griffin and sister, Eleanor Griffin Milliet and brother, John Joseph Griffin.  He began working in the family dairy business, Griffin Brothers Creamery, while still in Holy Cross High School where he played saxophone in the school band and was an all around athlete.  He took great pride in receiving his education and diploma from Holy Cross.  He continued in the milk business and eventually became a distributor for Brown’s Velvet Dairy Products until his retirement.  

Steve joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and proudly served his country in the American and Asiatic and Pacific Theaters.  He was honorably discharged in 1946 when WW II ended.

Steve was a devout Catholic, serving in his younger years as an usher at St. Mary of the Angels Church and as a member of the Holy Name Society.  After moving to New Orleans East, he was a parishioner of St. Maria Goretti Church.  Steve and his late wife, Helen, enjoyed socializing as members of the 50 Plus Club and Senior Friends and square dancing with the Gentilly Jubilees.  After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, he and Helen moved to Lacombe to live with their daughter, Darryl.  Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church then became their new spiritual home.

Steve was the “Top Chef” in his house in Lacombe.  He enjoyed watching LSU and Saints football games and the New Orleans Pelicans’ basketball games. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a strength of character that was greatly admired.  By his example, he instilled the virtues of humility, charity, compassion, generosity, patriotism and loyalty in all of his family.  He loved his faithful dog, Charlotte. In his last years, he derived great pleasure from sitting outside and feeling the warmth of the sun on his back.  He received Holy Communion every Sunday and prayed nightly.  Steve felt that his greatest achievements in his life were his loyalty to his family and his service to his country. He had many fascinating stories to tell about his experiences in the Navy and would relate them to all who would listen.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

The Griffin family wishes to express gratitude to Stacey, dad’s palliative nurse practitioner, April and Kelly of the Visiting Angels, and Chlquita, his nurse from Eagan Hospice for their compassionate, loving care of our beloved father.

A burial will be celebrated with military honors, on Friday, May 14th, at 1:00 PM, at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., in New Orleans, with Father Clayton “Beau” Charbonnet officiating at the funeral Mass.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Burial will take place in St. Patrick Cemetery #1.  In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred. Condolences may be expressed at www.greenwoodfh.com.

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