Don Edgar Griswold, 78, of Willow Street began his eternal life on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Born in Newton, Kansas, he was the son of the late May and Sherwin Griswold. He is the beloved husband of Anne with whom he was married for thirteen years.
Don graduated from Emporia State University and attended University of Kansas Medical Center, earning a PhD in Pharmacology. He then did postdoctoral work, teaching and doing cancer research, at Brown University. Don joined Smith, Kline & French in 1976. His publications centered on immunopharmacology. He had fourteen patents, published numerous scholarly reviews and received the Distinguished Research Fellow for his scientific work. Don loved research and hoped he bettered the world of science through his work. When asked about his most gratifying professional experience, he said the opportunity to share his research at the Pasteur Institute was near the top. He enjoyed the presentations of new research and the stimulus of ideas it provided. However, he shared that he was most satisfied when his ‘crew did well.’
After 40 years at what became GlaxoSmithKline, Don moved to become Director of Immunobiology at Centocor with Johnson & Johnson. He retired in 2008.
Throughout his lifetime, he was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Among his many interests, Don loved gardening, fishing, astronomy, cooking and creating music with his guitar. After Don and Anne were married in 2009, they enjoyed traveling, creating memorable experiences with their children and grandchildren, spending time with their friends and loving life together.
Don was a member of First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Lancaster. He served as chair of the Scholarship Committee. Community service was important to him, and, prior to his illness, Don faithfully volunteered at the Lancaster County Food Hub (formerly the Lancaster County Council of Churches), the Lancaster Conservancy and Anchor Lancaster (formerly Anchorage Breakfast Program). He collected and created recipes for cast iron cooking, which he published for the benefit of Power Packs in Lancaster. When FUMC participated in the Lancaster Women’s Shelter ministry, he and Anne chaired the responsibility of organizing the volunteers for the shelter for three weeks. He would say serving at the shelter was one of the most fulfilling volunteer experiences he ever had.
Don was predeceased by his first loving wife, Karen Krehbiel, in 1999. Besides his wife, Anne, he is survived by his sons, Brian (husband of Maryann, Downingtown, PA) and Darren (Media, PA); Anne’s children, Abigail Butt (wife of Ryan, Lancaster, PA) and Rich Crandall (husband of Heather, Los Angeles, CA); and five grandchildren, Kevin and Holly Griswold, and Hannah, Dylan and Allison Butt. He has one brother, Dale Griswold (husband of Connie, Newton, KS) and one sister, Mary Ann Hankin (wife of Julius, McLean, VA).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 4:30 PM. Friends may greet the family at the church from 3:30 PM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Anchor Lancaster, 29 E. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 or to the Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Hub 812 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17602. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Chris, Sara & Jack Campbell
You and your family are in our thoughts as you grieve this loss. All our love.
GT, Heather and Holly Freeman
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dad, grandfather, husband and friend. He will surely be missed greatly. Praying you find solace in the days ahead as you reflect upon all the sweet memories you have with him. Our sincerest condolences.
Bruce Czerwinski
Brian,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss, please accept my sincerest sympathy, Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts.
Suzie and Gary Johnson
Warm thoughts and prayers for you Anne and ALL the family ❣️ We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing, a valued servant of God who walked hand in hand with you, blessing so may people along the way❣️ You had 13 wonderful years together, and for this we are grateful❣️ May you be embraced with God’s comfort and peace, knowing Don rests in the arms of Jesus❣️
Joanna Underhill
Anne, I remember you and Don from the women’s shelter days at FUMC. You both led with confidence and compassion and made volunteering feel very worthwhile. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Steve & Lisa Shank
Anne, we were so saddened to learn of Don’s passing. Don was a kind, caring and generous servant, with a bright mind and an easy smile. Praying you find comfort and peace in the days ahead. Our deepest condolences.
Henry & Diane Deemer
Anne. & family,
I am so sorry that you have only had Don 13 years. You were so happy with him. He told me he wished he had a cure for my lupus and I agree. I wish he could have cured his own illness so you two could be together longer. He is now in joy with no pain or sorrow, so we can rejoice in that.
The Deemers
Karen Stadden
We send our deepest sympathy as you mourn Don’s passing. We fondly remember working with the two of you when we helped out with the women’s shelter. Please know that your are in our prayers at this sad time.
–Karen and Dave Stadden
Scott Kernan
I didn’t know Don but I’ve worked closely with his son Brian for the last 10+ years and I can now tell why Brian is the type of person he is after learning about his father and the type of person he was. My condolences to the Griswold family and may Don rest in peace.
Kimberly Leib
Don was a wonderful man. Awesome husband, father, father-in-law and friend. He will truly be missed ❤️
Kim
Doug Ockrymiek
Anne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with the passing of Don. May God’s love and your faith comfort you.
Peace
Doug Ockrymiek
.
Mary Clark
Brian and Darren,
I am so sorry to hear the news of your Dad. He was a very nice man. I remember him always smiling.
Mary Clark, your mother’s cousin.
Jackie Dilworth
We are sad to hear of Don’s passing, he was a great part of the team at Lancaster County Food Hub. Our prayers are with his wife Anne and their family.
Lancaster County Food Hub Staff & Volunteers