Thursday. Montgomery County’s longstanding Register of Wills, Joseph M. Griffin, passed away, according to a statement released by County Executive Marc Elrich. After working at the Montgomery County Register of Wills Office since 1993, Joseph M. Griffin was elected Register of Wills in 1998 and held the position for seven terms in a row. He served in a number of capacities for both professional and community groups, such as the National College of Probate Judges and the Maryland Register of Wills Association.
The passing of Joseph M. Griffin, Montgomery County’s longstanding Register of Wills, has grieved me greatly. Throughout his more than thirty years of service to our county, Joe helped families navigate some of their most trying times with kindness, respect, and moral rectitude. Joe, who has lived in Montgomery County his entire life, brought a strong sense of belonging and accountability to his position. Serving seven straight terms, he was a dependable and experienced leader who promoted sound local and statewide governance.
Beyond his work in government, Joe was a good-hearted, kind man who was steadfast in his desire to assist people. For Montgomery County and everyone who had the honor of knowing him, his passing is a loss. I offer the Montgomery County government’s sincerest sympathies to Joe’s friends, family, and coworkers.
Marc Elrich, the Montgomery County Executive
This week, we lost a devoted public servant.
For more than 30 years, Joseph M. Griffin, Montgomery County’s longstanding Register of Wills, served our community with kindness, moral character, and heart.
See my statement below.tweet.com/cKpE22OLcH
County Executive for Montgomery County, MD August 7, 2025 Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec)
