Vivian Marrocco Griffith

Vivian Marrocco Griffith of Lighthouse Point, Florida, died on January 6, 2025 in Austin, Texas, with her family at her side. She was an artist, dancer, mother, grandmother, friend, and all around bon vivant who modeled what it means to lead a full, creative, and active life. Vivian was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on May 13, 1940, to Raymond Marrocco, a pharmacist and immigrant from Abruzzo, Italy, and Jennie Remor Marrocco, a nurse and artist. With her sister, the late Joan Marrocco Rodriguez, she grew up in a house that valued good food and family, with aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends often gathered around the dining room table. Her cantankerous grandmother, Luisa Ciavarra Marrocco, was her own personal protector, waving her cane at anyone who crossed her granddaughter. Vivian believed everyone deserved a Nonna like her and aimed to be one herself when she welcomed her grandchildren, Ian and Elena. She earned degrees from the UConn and Fairfield University and studied nursing at Yale University. She worked as a teacher and a counselor and spent years as a realtor selling properties in South Florida. In 1964 she married Gerald Griffith and later gave birth to two children, Vivé Faith and Garth Ezekial, whose unusual names reflect her often eccentric approach to life. The family moved to Florida in 1978 and Vivian never stopped loving the ocean, “tropical breezes,” and the ability to wear open-toed shoes year-round. Vivian was known for her colorful clothing, her optimism, and her endless curiosity. She was never afraid to try something new. Thus, she taught dance at a performing arts high school, performed hula at nursing homes, guided cruise ship passengers in lessons on fashion, became a late life expert in linen clothing, got certified in water aerobics, and made art of all kinds. In 2008 she began spending part of the year in Texas to be closer to her children, and there she nurtured a broad social circle through her involvement in the Lamar Senior Activity Center, Lifelong Learning Institute, and Palette Club. She showed her fiber art at local galleries and art shows, but always returned to Florida, which she considered her soul home. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, her second husband, George Steinberg, and many close friends. She is survived by her children Vivé Griffith (Chris Cavello) and Garth Griffith (Anabel Gonzalez), her beloved grandchildren Ian Ezekiel and Elena Anabel, nieces Diana Ramos and Vivian Garcia and nephews Mark, Raymond, and Richard Rodriguez and their families, as well as a wide circle of friends. Also carrying on is her extensive wardrobe and her artwork, including watercolor cards and hand-dyed silk scarves that grace the necks women in Texas, Florida, and beyond. Vivian preferred not to talk about dying and instead wanted to say that she was heading off on an around-the-world cruise. So instead of saying goodbye, we say Bon Voyage, Mermaid.

Vivian Marrocco Griffith

May 13, 1940 - January 6, 2025