Batavia, NY — Harvey E. “Gene” Griffin, 75, of East Pembroke, N.Y., died Jan. 24, 2020, at Unity Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Griffin was born Dec. 23, 1944, in Caledonia, N.Y., a son of the late Mollie (Charles) Minor and Fredrick (Goldie) Griffin Sr.

Mr. Griffin was a member of the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association and raced mainly at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway during his career. As a versatile and talented horseman in the sport, his first driving win came in 1979 while his last training victory came in 1993.

Mr. Griffin is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Paula; children, Keith (DeOnn), Kenneth (Carolyn) and Tammy; 11 siblings; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Parker; sister, Mary; and brothers, Fredrick, Benjamin, Gordon, James and Arthur Minor.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (Feb. 1) from 2-4 p.m. at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, N.Y.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.