JOHN GRUBER

He was born on October 18, 1933, in Wheeling, a son of the late Roy and Ida Young Gruber.

John lived most of his life on Wheeling Island, was a 1951 graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School, a retired employee of C&P Telephone Co., a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the former Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Wheeling Central Catholic Boosters, and a veteran of the United States Air Force.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and George Gruber.

Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Jean Petsch Gruber, whom John met and fell in love with while stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX; six children, Gail M. Bender (Bill) of Martins Ferry, OH; Dean T. Gruber of Tampa, FL; Sheila R. Stein (Russ) of Washington, PA; Craig M. Gruber (Angele) of Oldsmar, FL; Jill A. Canode of Florence, KY; Gina K. Gruber (Ron) of Myrtle Beach, SC; nine grandchildren, Kirk Monteleone, Shasta Schroeder (Dustin), Michael and Jonathan Gruber, Shane and Reese Canode, Vega O’Brien, Grant and Jolie Gruber; two great-grandchildren, Italy and Anthony Schroeder; several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at noon Friday, May 1, 2015, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheeling, with the Rev. Thomas Gallagher as celebrant.

Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wheeling Central Catholic Boosters.

Offer condolences online at www.altmeyer.com.