Justin Griffiths, 24, financial analyst 'with big heart'

Justin W. Griffiths, 24, a former Worcester resident who had worked as a financial analyst in New York City for several years, died in his sleep of unknown causes Sunday, March 16, at his Manhattan apartment.

Mr. Griffiths' roommate found him unresponsive and called police.

Mr. Griffiths' dream was to earn a master's degree in finance and work in the private-equity field. He had begun building a foundation for that, said his father, Jeffrey W. Griffiths.

"He was one of the happiest people I have ever known," his father said. "He loved what he was doing."

Born in Lansdale, he was a 2008 graduate of Malvern Preparatory School, where he was student council vice president and played ice hockey, soccer, and football.

Mr. Griffiths graduated in 2012 with a degree in finance from the University of Delaware. During his senior year he tried out the finance field by becoming an intern at Zeke Capital Advisors, in Berwyn.

Late last year, he had begun working as a financial analyst with Vanbridge L.L.C. in New York, and for 18 months before that, he had worked as an underwriter for AIG, the insurance and financial-services firm.

He loved living in Manhattan, the hub of the finance industry, his father said. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, softball, and volleyball.

Mr. Griffiths radiated the joy he felt in living, his friend, Mike Westermann, said. "Every week, he would text a 'Happy Friday selfie' to his friends. This summed up Justin perfectly; big smile, great hair, self-proclaimed perfect blue eyes, humorous caption - all to cheer up everyone around him."

Mr. Griffiths loved to attend the WrestleMania show each year. He kept an eclectic collection of watches, and was devoted to Ozzy, his 11-year-old miniature dachshund. The dog will become a Griffiths family pet.

Besides his father, he is survived by his mother, the former Jean Lacher; two brothers, Matthew J. and Steven E.; maternal grandfather, Edward Lacher; and his paternal grandparents, William and Doris Griffiths. His maternal grandmother, Doris Lacher, died earlier.

A viewing will be held Thursday, March 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., at R.L. Williams Jr. Funeral Home Inc., 3440 Skippack Pike at Cedars Road, Skippack.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1601 Derstine Rd., Hatfield, where a second viewing is planned from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery.

Memorial donations may go to any charity.

610-313-8102