GRIFFIN

DR. DONALD SPRAY

Dr. Donald Spray Griffin, age 95, of Pleasant Hills, PA, passed away on June 3, 2025, after a long and productive life. Don graduated from Cornell University in 1951, where he was a member of the varsity rowing team. He received his Ph.D. in structural mechanics from Stanford University in 1958. He served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Korean conflict. He married Susan Pearce in 1952, who was the wonderful mother of his four children. After becoming a widower, he married Barbara Ridley in 1987 and gained three stepdaughters and an adventurous post-retirement travel companion.

Most of Don's professional career was with Westinghouse, in Pittsburgh, as an expert in structural mechanics in the nuclear power field. He was conferred Fellow status in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1980 and served on their Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Committee through 2020.

Don practiced his faith at the Pleasant Hills Church, serving in numerous service and leadership capacities during decades of membership. In recent years, he hosted a church bible study group in his home. His leisure activities included cross-country skiing, bicycling, and travel to all seven continents. But his true leisure passion was racing his Flying Scot sailboat with Barbara at Deep Creek Lake and in other regional regattas, and cruising larger sailboats in tropical destinations with friends and family.

Don was predeceased by his brother, Edward L. Griffin, Jr.; sister, Dorris Griffin North; first wife, Susan Pearce Griffin; and second wife, Barbara Ridly Griffin. He is survived by his children, Abbie Griffin, Frederick Griffin (Elizabeth Griffin), Margaret Griffin (John Enright) and David Griffin; stepdaughters, Debbie Ridley, Ayla Ridley and Lisa Hull (Rick Hull); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for the main sanctuary of the Pleasant Hills Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, on Monday, June 23, at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don's honor to one of his favorite charities: Cornell University, the Pleasant Hills Church or the Deep Creek Sailing School.