Tribune Chronicle file photo / R. Michael Semple Bill Griffin, director of the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland, talks about the Ohio History Connection historical marker that was dedicated July 6, 2016. Griffin died Tuesday at the age of 53.

WARREN — Describing Bill Griffin as a man who would never say “no” if someone else needed a helping hand, friends remembered the longtime community member who made many contributions to the area, including establishing the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland.

Griffin, 53, died Tuesday of complications from diabetes.

Steve Lewis, who helped Griffin organize the annual Wings and Wheels fundraiser at the Sloas Airfield near the aviation museum, said Griffin enjoyed aviation, music and philanthropy throughout his lifetime.

“Bill and I have been best friends for decades. He had the ability to always be able to talk me and others into helping with just about everything. One thing Bill was always able to do was get other people to help out,” he said.

Lewis said when asked to help at an event or with a project, Griffin “would never say no.”

“If someone needed help, Bill always would lend a hand,” he said.

Lewis said Griffin was credited with establishing the museum and also for organizing the yearly Wings and Wheels fundraiser each summer to raise money for the aviation museum, Trumbull County Animal Welfare League and Northeast Ohio Adoption Services.

Griffin also established a scholarship foundation in honor of his son, Ross Griffin, who committed suicide a year ago at the age of 22. Members of this year’s graduating class will be the first recipients, and an inaugural fundraiser in September raised $300,000.

Lewis said Bill Griffin was known for his many talents, which included being a pilot with extensive knowledge of aviation and also being a bass guitarist with the local rock band, The Benders, with friends Jeff Draime, Dante Cerni and Dave LeMasters.

“He was a very talented guy who shared that with others,” Lewis said.

To honor Griffin, Lewis has the flag at Huntington Bank in downtown Warren being flown at half staff through Monday. Also, Lewis said he and others encouraged the Griffin family to hold calling hours at Packard Music Hall because so many people are expected to attend.

Jim Whetstone, one of the owners of the SLOAS Airfield, said “Bill was one of the most caring, compassionate and giving persons” he has known.

“Our community will have a huge void to fill. I don’t know anyone who had the passion he did putting in all the time helping and being involved with charities and events in the community. He did a lot of good helping so many others,” Whetstone said.

Whetstone said he remembers first meeting Griffin when he was in his early 20s and selling ties, noting he was a very hard worker and that work ethic continued throughout his life. He said Griffin was dedicated to whatever he did in his life, whether it was work, family, charities or community.

Griffin was employed by Comcast Cable for 28 years as a senior account executive.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ernie Hall Aviation Museum, 4033 North River Road, Warren, Ohio 44484 or the Ross Griffin Memorial Foundation, 7 W. State St., Suite 301, Sharon, Pa. 16146.