Howard Lee Griffin Sr.

Howard Lee Griffin, Sr. 72, of Rochester, NY passed away Monday, February 22, 2021. He was born in Rochester, NY on July 29, 1948 to Jimmie and Louise Griffin. Howard grew up in the historic Cornhill District on Barkley Street (now Clarissa Street).

Howard was a high school graduate of Madison High School - Class of 66' (Rochester, NY). He was a proud alumni and often told many stories from his Madison days. While at Madison, Howard played football and was on the wrestling team. He was voted best personality, most valuable to the class and class president.

After high school, he made the decision to continue his education at a Historically Black College. He attended Benedict College (Columbia, SC) and earned his undergraduate degree in 1970. While attending Benedict College, Howard met and would soon marry Evelyn M. Byrd on June 6, 1970. They remained married until her death on August 22, 2007.

Howard began his professional career as Human Resources Manager for the Xerox Corporation, where he remained for 19 years. During this time, in 1976, Howard became a member the historical African American Greek lettered fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc where he remained a devoted and active member until his death. Although he was successful in Corporate America and happy with his family and current community service life, he decided to pursue another career path that would fulfill his passion for giving back. After receiving his Master's of Education from Nazareth College in 1997 (Pittsford, New York), he answered his true calling and became an educator for the Rochester City School District. With the education he received from his historical black college and the core beliefs he learned from his fraternity, he felt it was important for young students to see and to have positive African-American male role models in the classroom. Howard absolutely loved shaping and cultivating the minds of children in the community and believed teaching was his calling and ministry. His natural ability to connect with young people was effortless. Howard continued to educate and mentor many young people even after retiring.

Howard was a member of the Mt. Vernon Baptist church, where he was baptized in 1960. As a member of Mt. Vernon, Howard was also an active member, serving in the Senior Male Choir, Mass Choir, Scholarship Committee, Church Constitution of by-laws and Operation Homework Youth Program.

Howard absolutely loved his family, enjoyed cooking, entertaining his closest friends, bowling, helping others and talking to anyone that would listen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn (Byrd) Griffin, his parents, Jimmie Griffin and Louise Griffin and his sisters, Elaine Moore and Marilyn Gaines and dear friend James "Smokey" Robinson.

He is survived by sons, Keith L. Neal and Howard L. Griffin Jr. (Gina Lee Griffin); his daughters Mekko M. Mongeon (Christopher Mongeon, Sr.) and Kimberly V. Griffin; grandchildren, Christopher, Jr., Desia, Desiree, Jalen, Jamy, Jeremiah, Giana, Lianni; his sisters Jacqueline and Janice Griffin and a host of aunts, nephews, nieces, godchildren, cousins and family friends. Howard is also survived by his special friend, Ivy Buck and best friend and uncle, James "Crusoe" Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Benedict College Gospel Choir. Howard L. Griffin, Sr. was a member of the award winning gospel choir while attending Benedict. Please refer to the following link: https://www.benedict.edu/give/online-giving/

1. Complete the required fields (i.e. name, affiliation)
2.Under Donation / Gifts select: Benedict College Gospel Choir
3.Under Other Donation / Gift Options select: Honor / Memorial

The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love during this time.



Celebration of Life Memorial
August 8, 2021
Roundhouse Pavillion, Genesee Valley Park
2:00pm - 8:00pm