Kenneth "Ken" E. Griffin

Kenneth “Ken” E. Griffin, aged 58, of Marlborough, passed away in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on Friday, August 8, 2025. He was affectionately referred to as “Grenz” or “the Kid” by his close friends.

Born in Boston, MA, Ken was the son of the late Joseph P. and Shirley A. (Aucoin) Griffin. He graduated from Marlborough High School, Class of 1985, and worked as a chef and bartender at several establishments in the Marlborough area, including the 400 and One, Pastimes, and Sully’s. More recently he worked as an ASNT Level II Inspector at Quality Assurance Management, Inc. based in Hudson, MA, for 20 years.

Ken had a deep appreciation for music, particularly classic rock, and attended numerous concerts throughout his life. A personal highlight was meeting Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith in 2019 before seeing their performance at the MGM Springfield. In addition to music, he enjoyed playing guitar and chess. As an enthusiastic sports fan, Ken participated in hockey, golf, and fishing, and showcased his support for Boston teams through his extensive baseball cap collection.

His passion for music and sports was equaled by his commitment to his family and friends. Ken was a dedicated member of the Fraternity of Eagles, Marlborough #3565 since 2020, embodying their mission of “People Helping People.” His most cherished moments were summers spent in Hampton Beach, NH. Ken will be remembered for his warmth, compassion, and joyful spirit.

He is survived by his son, Donald “Donny” Bell of Hudson; two sisters, Becky Griffin and her longtime partner Derek Johnson of Shrewsbury, and Wendy Powell and her husband Matthew of Westborough; his nephew, Zachary Powell of Binghamton, NY; the mother of his son, Dorinda Bell, of Hudson; and his godfather, Paul Griffin of Yarmouth. Beyond his immediate family, Ken was blessed with two devoted friends, Mark Disessa and Donna Paolini of Marlborough, and a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 West Main Street, Marlborough, MA, from 4-7 pm A celebration of Ken’s life is planned for Sunday, September 28, from 5-9 pm in the Marlborough Fish & Game, Muddy Ln, Marlborough, MA.

The family kindly requests that, instead of sending flowers, donations be made in Ken’s name to either the Snowflake Kickball Tournament, Snowflake Kickball, C/O Joe Otte,19 Packard St. Hudson, MA 01749 or to Joseph P. and Shirley A. Griffin Memorial Scholarship, checks payable to: CFS of Marlborough, Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 296, Marlborough, MA 01752

You can also donate online at WWW.Marlborough.dollarsforscholars.Org.

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