Neville Robert Griffin a Paly grad who went on to fight fires before starting a career in computer marketing and sales has died at the age of 81. He was a resident of Sunnyvale.

Griffin, who died on 29 June was born in San Francisco. He was a graduate of San Jose State where he was a member of the ATO fraternity.

The adventurous Griffin earned his private pilot's license while in college, fought fires for the U.S. Forest Service, and was a member of the Ski Patrol at Heavenly Valley at Lake Tahoe.  He married his wife, Deanna in 1960. 

He then served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force with the U2 mission. After his service, he returned to the Bay Area where he started a career in computer marketing and sales. 

Griffin spent the last 16 years as a volunteer with SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) mentoring small-business entrepreneurs.  He enjoyed traveling, reading, skiing, and golfing, a love that began during his high school years when he caddied at the Stanford Golf Course. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deanna; a son, Bob (Sara) and two daughters, Kim and Kristi; grand-daughters, Amanda, Jenna and Alexa along with nieces and nephews.  

Donations in his memory can be made to Dr. Heather Wakelee Lung Cancer Research.  For information on how to donate contact Kim Griffin at endlungcancer@gmail.com or Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School - https://www.cristoreysanjose.org

Services have been held.