Donald "Red" Everett Griswold formerly of Avon, beloved husband of Ruth (Sisson) Griswold, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021. Born in Hartford, son of the late Gordon and Flora (Wilcox) Griswold, he was raised in Canton and joined the U.S. Navy in 1948, moving to Avon upon his return in 1950. He worked for Ensign Bickford as a carpenter until called back into the Navy, serving during the Korean War from 1951-1954. He worked for Ensign Bickford for 17years before joining the Town of Avon as Building Inspector for 27 years, retiring in 1996. He helped found the Avon Volunteer Fire Department as it is today, and served as Fire Chief from 1961-1978, and after retiring, as town Fire Marshall. He and Ruth built their home at 81 Sylvan Street in Avon, where they lived for 61 years. A quiet, gentle man who worked tirelessly for others, Don gave his time and talents to many activities in his cherished town of Avon. He served as President of the Avon Lion's Club and District Governor of Lion's District 23B, of which was an active member for 45 years. He was a member of Avon VFW Post #3272 where he served as Adjutant for two years. Don was also a member of the Farmington Valley Men's Club for 17 years, where he served as Secretary. He was on the Board of Directors of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, and an active member of Prince Thomas of Savoy Italian Club, Avon, where he volunteered in many capacities, and loved to play Bocce and cards. In addition to his wife Ruth, he leaves a daughter Anita G. Lowry and her husband Steven of Leland, NC; a son Robert Donald Griswold of West Hartland; two grandsons Steven Christopher Lowry and James Donald Lowry, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving daughter Holly J. Norton; a sister Marianne Bendott; half-sisters Ethel Buck and Dorothy Swensen; and half-brothers Irwin Beckwith, George Beckwith and William Griswold. His family will receive friends with a walk-through visitation, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, from 4-7 PM at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 22, 2021, 11 AM, at Carmon's in Avon, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery, with full Avon Fire Department and Military Honors. Masks must be worn, and social distancing will be observed at all services. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to either the Avon Lions Club, PO Box 39, Avon, Ct 06001, or the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001.