FLORDIA, Mass. — Joseph Robert Griffis, 76, of Florida, Massachusetts, died Aug. 29 at the White River Junction VA hospital after a protracted battle with MSA (Multiple Systems Atrophy) a result of his service in the United States Army and exposure to agent orange during his tours in Vietnam. 

He was born in Boston and predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Edward Griffis. He leaves behind two sons, Richard (Sandra) and Todd (Angelica), both of Germany, and two grandsons, Michael and Jayden also of Germany. He was predeceased by his eldest son Joseph in 1992. He also leaves behind his siblings, Edward (Chantel) of Washington state, Michael of Amherst, MA, Daniel (Wendy) of Andover, MA, and Patricia Leitch (Robert) of Amherst, along with many nephews and nieces, his aunt Ellen (Jack) Harrington of Peabody, and many cousins. 

He also leaves behind his wife, Sarah Maclennan, also of Florida, they met on the golf course and spent many years playing golf, Joe's passion, and also travelled around the United States in their camper and  to Europe. In more recent years they became bridge partners. Joe retired US Army Master Sergeant after 23 years of service. He became a communication specialist. He spent 2 tours in Vietnam, spending time in Nigeria during President Carter's visit in 1978, in Lake Placid during the Olympics of 1980, in the basement of the White House monitoring communications, and in the Falkland Islands during the 1982 Falkland War. He also spent time as a drill sergeant, and a recruitment officer. 

Most of his career was based in Germany, but he also was stationed in the states in Georgia and Massachusetts. 

Upon his retirement from the Army he worked as a Veterans Agent at Northern Essex Community College, got his Associates degree there and then his BA from Springfield College and became an alcohol abuse counselor working at Beverly Hospital and for a short time with the Brien Center here in Berkshire County, until the MSA overtook his body. He fought the disease for 10 years until succumbing. He was an avid Boston sports fan, always eager to attend games but usually settling for the TV. He volunteered at the Florida Council on Aging as the president of the Friends. In his last years of mobility, he loved his pontoon boat and floating on the Connecticut River.

He spent his last months at the Vermont Veteran's Home in Bennington, VT under the wonderful care of his RN's, LPN's, CNA's, PT's, doctors and the total staff. The family is grateful for the support and love they all gave him and thank them all gratefully. 

A service of celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 at the Vermont Veteran's Home chapel at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception at the Soldier's Home. In lieu of flowers it is Joe's wish to make any contributions in his memory to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 3540 Crain Hgwy. Ste. 675, Bowie, MD 20716 Tel: 301-459-3700.

Joe will be missed by all who knew him.