Eric E. Griffin

Eric E. Griffin passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Born on September 17, 1968, Eric was surrounded by his loving wife, Lisa, and his two daughters, Conner Gamble and Jerri Griffin, at the time of his passing. Eric and Lisa met at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At the time, Eric was working as an electrical apprentice, and Lisa was attending classes. When Eric first saw Lisa sitting in the classroom, he couldn’t stop stealing glances. Before the class began, Lisa came out to talk with him. Eric brought her to where he was working and jokingly asked if she wanted to learn how to change a light bulb. She laughed, told him to move aside, climbed the ladder herself, and did it. The rest, as they say, is history. They married on June 19, 1992, at Stanley Park’s Japanese Garden in Westfield, Massachusetts, and welcomed two daughters, Conner and Jerri, into their lives. Eric was immensely proud of their accomplishments and was their biggest supporter no matter the challenge. He took great pride in Conner becoming a nurse, a path she credits to the example her father set, and he was equally proud of Jerri for becoming a CNA while continuing to pursue her studies in mortuary science, dreaming of becoming a funeral director. He admired her resilience, particularly following the loss of her boyfriend, Antonio Ortiz, in 2025, whom Eric had adored and looked forward to welcoming as another son into the family. Over the past year, Eric and Lisa became proud grandparents to Ezra Gamble, whom they absolutely adore. Eric spent every chance he could with his new little buddy, affectionately calling him “Bezra” (baby Ezra), while Ezra lovingly referred to him as “Pop.” Though Eric never had a son of his own, he considered his son-in-law, Ethan Gamble, as one, taking great pride in the man Ethan has become. Over the years, their relationship grew from friendship into a bond full of respect, trust, and laughter. Ethan often sought Eric’s advice on just about anything, and the two cherished the time they spent together. Eric also valued his relationship with his mother- and father-in-law, Gerald and Roseanne Nash, whom he considered his own parents. He leaves behind his beloved pets: dogs Knox and Laika, cat Baby, and his backyard chickens, all joyful parts of his everyday life. Eric’s commitment to learning and professional excellence was evident throughout his life. He earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Army as a tanker stationed in Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall’s collapse. He then pursued higher education with distinction, earning an A.S. in Radiography from Holyoke Community College in 1999 as Valedictorian, an A.S. in Nursing from Holyoke Community College in 2001 with High Honors, a B.S. in Nursing from Elms College in 2005, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and an M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford in 2008. Throughout his career, Eric maintained numerous professional licenses and certifications, including Registered Radiologic Technologist (AART), Certified Emergency Nurse, Trauma Nursing Core Course and Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course Instructor, Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course Instructor, Cardiac Dysrhythmia Course Instructor, Rapid Sequence Intubation Instructor, Advanced Trauma Life Support & Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider, Certified End of Life Care Provider, Lecturer and Published Author. Eric built a distinguished career in healthcare spanning more than two decades as a nurse, educator, and healthcare leader. After beginning his medical career as a radiologic technologist, he became a registered nurse and spent many years at Baystate Medical Center, where he served as an emergency nurse, clinical nurse educator, and later Magnet Program Director and Nurse Residency Director. He later held leadership roles at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford and served as Vice President at HealthLinx as well as worked nationally as a healthcare consultant supporting nursing excellence. In recent years, Eric returned to direct patient care, working as a hospice nurse with Baystate Hospice and most recently serving as a case manager at Baystate Noble Hospital, continuing his lifelong commitment to compassionate care for patients and families. Throughout his career he was deeply committed to advancing nursing practice, mentoring new nurses, and improving patient care. In addition to his clinical leadership, Eric taught nursing students as adjunct faculty at several regional colleges and was widely respected for his dedication to education and the nursing profession. Eric proudly served his country in the United States Army. After leaving high school, he earned his GED while in the military and served as a tanker in Germany during the historic period surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall. During his service, Eric trained and led American and NATO troops in mechanized warfare tactics and served as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare instructor. He also served as an M60A3 Main Battle Tank Commander. During his service he earned the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, and the Professional Development Ribbon, and achieved distinction in marksmanship, earning the Expert Marksmanship Badge for pistol and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge for grenade. His time in the Army shaped the discipline, leadership, and dedication to service that guided him throughout his life. Outside of his work, Eric had a deep love for the outdoors and simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed fishing— especially deep sea fishing—taking numerous trips with his best friend, Ron, hunting, and spending time in nature. Eric has a passion for travel and cherished exploring new places with his wife Lisa, his daughters, and his son-in-law, Ethan. A true foodie, he enjoyed trying new foods and flavors. At home, he was an avid gardener who took pride in both vegetable gardening and growing flowers, often creating beautiful arrangements from what he grew. In quieter moments, he enjoyed watching cheesy horror movies, Sasquatch shows, and anything featuring Josh Gates, cheering on the Red Sox, collecting and hunting for shark teeth and playing bingo with friends and family. Eric was a man of many dimensions. He was serious and professional when the situation called for it, yet he had a playful side and loved to make others laugh. Known for his immense kindness, he would literally give you the shirt off his back. Devoted and hardworking, he approached every task with dedication, and his passion for learning never waned—truly a lifelong learner in every sense of the word. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5–8 p.m., and again Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8– 10:30 a.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Service in Westfield, Massachusetts, followed by a church Mass at St. Peters and St. Casimir's Parish in Westfield, Massachusetts. A reception will be held afterward at Crepes Tea House in Southwick, Massachusetts. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eric’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tactical Tone Memorial Foundation at tacticaltone.org. www.firtionadams.com

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