Jan A. Griska

Jan A. Griska, 72, of Rindge died Thursday, February 2, 2017 in his own home after a short illness cared for by his wife and daughters, with Hospice assistance. He was born in Waterbury Connecticut on March 25, 1944. He was the son of Anthony A. Griska and Ida Edith (Zech) Griska.

He was a self-made man. When his father died suddenly when he was 15, he apprenticed in a factory as a machinist to help support his mother and younger brothers. He joined the Navy in 1963 and trained as an Electronic Technician. He served 5 years including a deployment to Vietnam. He saw many countries in Europe during those years as well. His working career began with Digital Equipment Corporation where he worked for 20 years, leaving as a Special Product Support Manager. He also worked for Motorola, Fidelity Investments, and retired from Brown Brother, Harriman Bank in Boston, in 2008 after 10 years. His education included Rochester Institute of Technology, Worchester Polytechnical Institute, along with many others. He was certified as a Software Engineer, Software Quality Engineer, and certified Quality Auditor. He could repair anything including a car, a machine, plumbing, electricity and any woodworking project. He was an avid reader, rarely seen without a book.

He had a keen interest in the environment, and could identify most of the flora, fauna and creatures of the woods. He was a member of the Rindge Conservation Commission. He was active in fighting the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline and defeating the planned Bobcat hunting, proposed by NH Fish and Game. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to fish, although he other pursuits limited his time in doing that.

Between work and pleasure, he was proud to say that he had visited all 50 USA states, actually living in 5. Having lived in Amherst, NH for many years, he retired to Rindge. He was an experienced off road enthusiast and master “Tread Lightly” Trainer. He participated in over 25 events with “Jeep Jamboree USA” taking he and his wife all over the country. So many beautiful and natural sites were seen through these events.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn (Schmitt) Griska, daughter Michelle and partner Cindy Bathurst, of Monroe, Georgia., and daughter Dawn Griska and husband Lyle Hinckley of Milford, NH, a brother Dr Joel Griska and wife Dr Linda Griska of Penn Valley, PA and brother Jason Griska and wife Karen Griska of Litchfield, CT. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.

At his request, there are no calling hours. A Memorial Service will occur in the summer at the Cathedral of the Pines Mother's Garden in Rindge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial donations to either the Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary for "Camp Quest", the "Got Lunch" program of the Rindge Congregational Church. Burial will be private.