David J. Griffith

Colonel David J. Griffith, Jr., USA, Retired, 72, of Orefield, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Lehigh Valley HospitalCedar Crest.

Born on December 12, 1950, in Coaldale, he was the son of the late David J. and Elizabeth (Petras) Griffith, Sr.

A graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High Schools Class of 1968, David went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1973. Col. Griffith is a graduate of the Army Airborne School, Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced courses, the Tactical Intelligence Course, the Command and General Staff Course and the Army War College.

Col. Griffiths significant military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.

Following his graduation from West Point, David served on active duty for six years in the United States Army. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, he served twenty-four years with the Army National Guard, retiring as Colonel and Commander of Pennsylvanias 28th Infantry Division DISCOM. In civilian life, David was employed in the cement industry in international project sales and retired from FL Smidth Company as a National Sales Director in 2013.

David served as the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Directors for Bethlehem Catholic High School. As an avid supporter of Bethlehem Catholic athletics, he served as coaching support for various sports teams.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son: Michael Ryan Griffith; and his sister: Elizabeth Griffith.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly fifty years: Susan (Gorzelic) Griffith, one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, on Sunday, January 29, 2023, from 2:00 until 4:00pm. On Monday, January 30, a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30am at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1879 Applewood Dr, Orefield, PA 18069.

Interment, with military honors, will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, 547 North Krocks Road, Allentown.

Cemetery
Resurrection Cemetery
547 N Krocks Rd.
Allentown PA 18106
US

Viewing
Sunday, January 29, 2023
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, January 30, 2023
10:30 AM
St. Joseph the Worker
1879 Applewood Dr.
Orefield PA 18069
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531