Robert Stanislaus Griffin – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

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The Free Lance Star: Fredericksburg,Virginia. Date:  February 21,1933

Rear Admiral Robert S. Griffin, United States Navy (retired), a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on Marine engines, died last night at the Naval Hospital, Washington, following an illness of six months.  Admiral Griffin suffered a stroke of paralysis late last summer and never recover from its effects.

Admiral Griffin was born in Fredericksburg and spent the early years of his life in this city.  After finishing the public schools and preparatory schooling, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated with honors.

Specialized in Engineering

Though he was chiefly known for his knowledge of mechanical engineering, in which he specialized at Annapolis, Admiral Griffin saw much active sea duty and during the Spanish-American War served aboard one of the United States ships in Cuban waters.  During the World War he was Chief of the Bureau of Steam Engineering in Washington.

For servies during the World War he received the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the designing and building of machinery for new vessels.  In addition, the French Government bestowed on Admiral Griffin the National Order of the Legion of Honor with the rank of Commander.

Admiral Griffin is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma Griffin, of Washington; one son, Commander Richard Griffin of Newport, Rhode Island; one daughter, Mrs. Ernest Swift, of Paris, who is now temporarily in Washington.

Legal Residence Here

Although Admiral Griffin had lived away from Fredericksburg for many years, he was technically and legally a resident of this city, having maintained his voting residence here throughout his life.  He frequently came to Fredericksburg to cast his ballot in National and State elections.  The deceased was a bother of the late John M. Griffin, for years one of city’s leading and most popular citizens, who served for several terms as the postmaster here.  Admiral Griffin was the uncle of Mrs. F. T. Cassiday, of this city, and Mrs. John Kimmon of Spotsylvania; and Captain Raphael Griffin, U.S.M.C.

Funeral arragements were not known here this afternoon, but it was thought that Admiral Giffin would be buried in Arlington. NOTE: The Admiral was indeed laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

GRIFFIN, ROBERT S

  • REAR ADM US NAVY RETIRED
  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
  • DATE OF DEATH: 02/21/1933
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: 02/23/1933
  • BURIED AT: SECTION EAST  SITE 1084
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

GRIFFIN, EMMA A WIDOW OF ROBERT S

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 05/20/1861
  • DATE OF DEATH: 09/22/1956
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: 09/25/1956
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 2
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
  • WIFE OF RS GRIFIN R/ADM USN

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