The Gwen L. Kosinski Foundation would like to recognize those who continually make our foundation a running success. This week, GLK would like to honor James Griffin as our first Bob-O STAR! As many of you know, Robert “Bob-O” Conneely was the original founder of MINDS OVER MATTER who lost his twenty-six year battle with brain cancer in January of 2009. It is in Bob-O’s name that we honor these amazing individuals.

Our first star!

A conversation with James Griffin, interviewed by his daughter, Katie Griffin.

Q: You are the recipient of the first ever MINDS OVER MATTER race season Bob-O award! Congratulations! You knew Robert “Bob-O” Conneely. If you had to describe Bob-O in three words, what would they be?

A: Determined, Courageous, Survivor

Q: MINDS OVER MATTER made its debut as a little team of six at the 2001 NYC Marathon. You were on that team. What memories do have from that day?

A: I have lots of memories from that November 4, 2001. It being just two months since the September 11th attacks, I remember seeing the smoke from Ground Zero as I was crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. I remember running through various neighborhoods and hearing lots of different kinds of music while I ran through the five boroughs.

I remember riding over with the MINDS OVER MATTER team to the beginning of the race and I remember meeting up with everyone afterward to attempt to watch the World Series game that was on that night, only to find that we were all too tired!

This was the first race and the beginning of my involvement with GLK/MOM. I believe we are making a strong contribution towards a cure for brain tumors.

Q: You have been friends with John Kosinski since living as housemates at Villanova. Thus, you knew Gwen Kosinski for whom the GLK Foundation is named. What do you think she would think of all this eight years after her passing?

A: I remember that Gwen was not a person who liked to call a lot of attention to herself, so I think that she would be quietly proud of the accomplishments of the GLK Foundation. She fought bravely against her two tumors and her legacy is the terrific family she left behind.

Q: You currently live in New Hampshire. What is your main focus on the home-front? GLK heard you just started a new business. What is the premise of that business?

A: I am currently an Independent Manufacturer Representative for the Electronic Industry. I represent two companies and sell their products and services throughout the Northeast. At present I am considering adding a third product line.

Q: You have always been a family man. Married to Anna for how many years now? And two kids, a grandchild…. What has been your greatest joy in being a husband and father?

A: Anna and I will be married 36 years this August. My greatest joy in being a husband and father is the loving relationships that I have with my wonderful wife, my children and my grandson!

Q: You love to run. Where is your favorite place to run? It is also a known fact that you are an avid golfer. I hear you and all your Villanova friends are turning 60 this year and heading to Ireland for a collaborative birthday-golf celebration. What course (or courses) over there are you most looking forward to playing?

A: My favorite place to run in the entire world is along Broadmeadow Estuary in Malahide, Ireland. This is a seacoast run with great views and cool crisp air. We lived in Malahide for a short time, twenty years ago. My favorite place to run in the United States is in Central Park, New York. The run seems to go quickly and all the sights and sounds of the City are still exciting to me.

For our 60th birthday-golf celebration, I am most excited to play the Old Head and Doonbeg courses, since I have not played them yet. But I really just can’t wait to play the courses in Ireland again.

Q: Over the past year, you have become a cancer survivor. How has the personal diagnosis of having cancer impacted you? Has it changed you at all?

A: As a cancer survivor I am more appreciative of living healthy everyday.

Q: What in your opinion is your greatest lifetime achievement to date?

A: Our greatest achievement is our long, wonderful loving marriage.

Q: And lastly, when you leave this Earth… How would you like to be remembered?

A: I would like to be remembered as a good husband and father and friend who enjoyed life, music and sports!

Posted in News