After a life of love and quiet grace, Galen H. Griffith Sr. of Middletown, DE has passed.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Grief is love with nowhere left to go.
Galen H. Griffith, Sr., age 92, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on August 25, 1933, in Wilmington, DE, Galen was the son of the late William H. Griffith, Sr. and Marguerite H. Griffith. He lived a long, full life rooted in family, friends, and simple joys.
Galen was a proud lifetime member of the Minquadale Fire Company, Station 22, and spent his career as a dedicated member of the Local 30 Roofers Union out of Philadelphia until his retirement. He carried a strong work ethic and a deep sense of loyalty into everything he did.
He found joy in many hobbies-stock car racing, fishing, big ball games-and he was an avid horseman who loved the rhythm and peace of being around horses. But above all else, Galen's greatest pride was his family. He often said that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his life's greatest accomplishments. To them, he was the best dad, PopPop, and great PopPop anyone could hope for. His love, guidance, and humor leave behind a lifetime of cherished memories that will be held close forever.
Galen was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Bonvetti, Phillys Meli, and Marguerite Edwards; his brother, William H. Griffith, Sr.; and his great granddaughter, Grace Guptill.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Dorothy (Pekol) Griffith. He leaves behind his sons: Galen H. Griffith, Jr., Carl Griffith, and Jim Griffith (Dana); and his daughters, Cindy Grott and Joanne Vaughn (Tom).
He was a proud PopPop to his grandchildren: Ashlynn Guptill (Tim), Cory Grott, Jesse Wipf (Melissa), Maryann Griffith (Mark), Mackenzie Griffith, Devin Griffith, and Daulton Griffith. His legacy continues through his great grandchildren: Jesse Wipf, Vera Guptill, Evie Wipf, Jack Guptill, and Archie Guptill.
Galen is also survived by his brother, Donald Griffith (Sally); his sister, Janet Davis; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11:30 am on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Minquadale Fire Company, P.O. Box 647 Manor Branch, New Castle, DE 19720.
Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Galen H. Griffith, Sr.
