Jeffrey T. Griglak

Jeffrey T. Griglak, 73, of New York, NY passed away peacefully at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh on June 6, 2025 after a long illness surrounded by his devoted sisters Debbie, Marcia, and Betsy.  Having grown up in Perryopolis he extolled the virtues of a childhood in Western Pennsylvania.  A graduate of Frazier HS, he received his BFA from Carnegie-Mellon University and completed post-graduate performance studies at Yale University. He then moved to New York City in 1976 to pursue, and achieve, a successful career in the theater.

As an actor, he performed in numerous plays and musicals including national tours of Shenandoah and The Rocky Horror Show; off-Broadway in Taming of the Shrew and School for Wives; he starred in “Identity Crisis,” a film directed by Mario Van Peebles Jr.; was a leading character in the “McGruff Take a Bite Out of Crime” national commercials; and was featured in Billy Joel’s “Keeping the Faith” video.

Jeff went on to a successful career in creative development with ICON Pictures and TAG Creative and was a sought-after composer, arranger, musician, choir and musical director. He also taught acting for 20 years at the Susan Slavin Acting Academy.

After transitioning out of performing, he became a well-respected Arts Administrator working at such illustrious institutions as American Ballet Theater; The Wein Center for Performing Arts (at 890 Broadway); Musical Theater Works; New York Theatre Workshop; and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). While at NJPAC as the Director of Arts Education, he was a champion for young artists, especially those who came from underserved and overlooked communities. Many of his students went on to work on Broadway; television; movies; and as internationally recognized professional musicians.

While in New York, Jeff was also a committed member of ACT UP during the early years of the AIDS crisis where he was an active member of the Outreach Committee and the Seeing Red Affinity Group. His booming voice would ring out in the general meetings as he channeled his anger at the senseless loss of so many of his brothers and sisters-in-arms.

In retirement he worked closely with dear friends at Brickwork Management who provided him with unwavering support throughout his illness.

Jeff looked at the world with wonder and joy and was perpetually grateful for its beauty. He had a genuine kindness to friends and strangers alike.

He is survived by his sisters Deborah Griglak, Marcia Griglak Hankle and husband Robert, and Mary Beth “Betsy” Griglak. Also survived by nephew Matthew Hankle and partner Charlotte Quintana, and nephew Benjaman Hankle. He is predeceased by his parents Laddie L. and Mary Cay (Kalman) Griglak.

His spirit has left to become a part of the universe and joins the eternal embrace of his loving parents, but his light will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made in Jeff’s memory to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

There is freedom waiting for you,

On the breezes of the sky,

And you ask, “What if I fall?”

Oh but my darling,

What if you fly?

Erin Hanson