Eugene B. Griffel

Griffel, Eugene B. - Age 93, of Grand Blanc, died February 26, 2025. 

Born in Brooklyn in 1931 to Zena (z"l)  and Sam Griffel (z"l), Eugene B. Griffel (z"l) grew up alongside his sister, Dorothy Michaels (z"l) , and his brother, Harold Griffel (z"l) .

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning an honorable discharge as a Sergeant. On June 10, 1956, Eugene married the love of his life, Rhina Holtz Griffel (z"l) ; she preceded him on death on October 24, 2022. 

He pursued his passion for learning, earning a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College and a Master’s in Library Science from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His distinguished career in library sciences took him to institutions in the Cleveland suburbs and Chicago before settling in Flint, Michigan. For 25 years, he served as Director of the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative, retiring in 1992. 

A dedicated advocate for the Flint community, Eugene was deeply involved in volunteer efforts. He helped found the Flint Children's Museum, worked on many political campaigns and was active in Rotary. A devoted member of Temple Beth El, he served as congregation's president and was a docent at Mott’s Estate, Applewood. He was also active in the Retired Men’s Fellowship of Greater Flint..

Eugene had a lifelong love of travel, and he and Rhina explored the world together, visiting all seven continents and more than 112 countries. They also traveled on several cross-country road trips, including driving to Alaska. Eugene cherished his family and friends, sharing his warmth, wisdom, and sense of humor with everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving children: Daughter Suzanne Griffel and son-in-law Saul Weiner; granddaughter Karen Weiner; Son Michael Griffel and daughter-in-law Lesley Griffel; grandsons Zev and Louis, and granddaughter Meira Griffel; Son David Griffel and daughter-in-law Michelle Griffel; grandsons Joshua and Alexander Griffel; Son James Griffel and daughter-in-law Sandy Griffel; grandson Phillip Griffel. Eugene will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Beth El, Flint, Michigan, or the Flint Public Library. Arrangements are being handled by Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Tributes my be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. 

Funeral and shiva (all times in EST).

On Friday, February 28, 2025 Funeral will be 10:30 AM at Temple Beth El, 5150 Calkins Road, Flint Township, Michigan. Rabbi Jeffrey Ableser officiating. (The funeral may be viewed by livestream from a link on Mr. Griffel's page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com).

Committal service will be 12:30 PM Friday, February 28 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan (in person only.)

Lunch will be 2:00 PM Friday, February 28 at Temple Beth El, followed by a Mincha (afternoon) service to recite Kaddish (in person only.)

On Saturday, March 1 visiting begins 7:00 PM at American House apartment building in Grand Blanc (Meeting Room, 3rd floor, and on Zoom). Evening service and Havdalah: 7:30 PM.

On Sunday, March 2 Zoom open house (primarily for out of town and overseas friends and family, but all are welcome) from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Afternoon visiting hours from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at American House apartment building in Grand Blanc (Meeting Room, 3rd floor, in person only). Evening visiting begins 7:00 PM, service at 7:30 PM at American House apartment building in Grand Blanc (Meeting Room, 3rd floor, and on Zoom). 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 3, 4, & 5 visiting begins at 7:00 PM, service at 7:30 PM at American House apartment building (Meeting Room, 3rd floor, and on Zoom).

Zoom link for Shiva (services and open house):

Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/89374682458

Passcode: 562291

If you prefer to call, dial 1-312-626-6799