Dr. Terrence J. Griffin, DMD

Dr. Terrence Joseph Griffin, 80, of Milton, MA, passed away on December 31, 2025 at Dwyer Home in Weymouth. He was born on July 18, 1945 to the late Joseph and Theresa (Purtell) Griffin in Lowell, MA. He attended Keith Academy and then Boston College.

Dr. Griffin completed his D.M.D. at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He served in the United States Navy and after his two-year tour of duty, he rejoined Tufts as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Periodontology, where he received his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Periodontology. He was named Chair of the Department of Periodontology in 1997 and the Director of Postdoctoral Periodontology in 1999. He retired from Tufts in 2012. Until 2020, he maintained a large private practice in Boston, Massachusetts specializing in periodontics, oral diagnosis, and implantology. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and served as the President of both the American Academy of Periodontology and the Massachusetts Periodontal Society, as well as holding many other positions in these and other professional organizations. He was well-known as a lecturer both nationally and internationally.

Terry was hard-working and dedicated to his profession and mentored generations of periodontists and other dental professionals. In his free time, he enjoyed golf, traveling, and spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his sons, T.J., Matt, and Scott, and his daughters-in-law, Teresa and Alex. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn, Kaylee, Ryan, Fiona, and Nora as well as his significant other, Jing Bu of Tampa, FL. He also leaves his sister Cheryl Guernsey and her husband Robert, his sister Colleen Hancock and her husband David, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and countless friends. He is survived by his former spouse and friend, Mary Griffin.

He is predeceased by his sister Gail Morse and his brother Gary.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. LOWELL, MA.  His Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 12 p.m. at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church, 374 Stevens St. Lowell, MA.  Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lowell, MA. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell Jr., (978) 458-8768.

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