Patrick J. Griswold, age 58 of Conneaut, died Monday, March 6, 2017 at his residence with his family at his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Patrick was born May 23, 1958 in Conneaut, Ohio the son of Edward J. and Sally (Shuster) Griswold. He was a 1976 Conneaut High School graduate and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Northwood University, Midland, Michigan. Patrick began his career as an auditor for the State of Ohio. He was then hired by General Tire of Akron, Ohio where he started his career in the international tire industry. Patrick made his first business trip to Africa in 1985 and in 1992 became the youngest CEO of General Tyre East Africa, a position he held for 10 years. While Patrick’s global executive management experience includes primarily working in Africa, he has also worked in The Americas, Europe, India, and China.

Patrick was also a founding member of one of the largest most influential CEO round-tables in Africa and held memberships on several company boards in business policy influencing organizations. He was active in the East Africa Manufacturers Association and The Confederate of Tanzanian Industries.

 In 2013 Patrick was appointed Honorary Consul to the USA for The United Republic of Tanzania. Following his retirement from General Tyre East Africa, Patrick was a consultant specializing in bridging business for the East African economy. 

In Patrick’s spare time, he was an avid fan of all sports. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and going on wildlife safaris in Africa with his family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the Arusha Gymkhana Club in Tanzania. In 1994 Patrick, along with his wife Dawn purchased Pizzi Café in Conneaut where they are the owner/operators of the family business. He is also a member of Corpus Christi Parish. 

Patrick is survived by his parents Edward and Sally Griswold of Conneaut; his wife of 27 years, Dawn Marie (Griffey) Griswold; a daughter, Alexa Jina (Billy) Pitcher of Ashtabula; a granddaughter Mia Catherine Pitcher; brother Edward J. (Mary) Griswold, Jr. of Conneaut; sisters Mary Catherine (Ron) Westfall of Long Beach, California and Jean (Rick) McLaughlin of Conneaut; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 480 State St., Conneaut, with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating. 

Burial of Patrick’s cremains will take place at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.  

At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours. 

Envelopes for memorial contributions in memory of Patrick J. Griswold will be available at the church and the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut, Ohio who has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 

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