Raymond F. Gruber, Sr. Age 86

Resident of Harpersfield, OHIO

Went to his Lord and savior on Friday, October 12, 2007

Born December 10, 1920

Married Eufrosina ?Fina? Rodrigo, a native of Puerto Rico, on January 25, 1946 at Assumption Church in Geneva.

Memberships and Affiliations: Fina and Ray both served in the Armed Forces and met during World War II. Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during the war. Raymond attended Geneva area schools and also attended an Electronic Schools in Cleveland, Ohio. Following his discharge he returned home and worked at Geneva Metal Wheel, True Temper and owned a TV repair Business in Harpersfield Township. He and his wife operated a 62 acre farm and sold there grapes to Welch?s.

He was a former Harpersfield Township Trustees for 12 years and a past member of the Harpersfield Volunteer Fire Department. Raymond and his brother Joseph were instrumental in the founding of the Geneva Area Grape Jamboree which just celebrated their 43rd year.

He served as a board member for the Northeast Ambulance representing Harpersfeild Township. He was the past president of Cork PTO, Charter member of Harpersfield Ruritan, Ohio Wine Producer, and Board of Directors Tri-County Grape Growers. Raymond worked closely with Ohio Department of Agriculture in Wooster and Ohio State University by planting the first 5 acres of seedless grapes in the state. He also worked closely with the Grape Research Center in North Kingsville. He was a member of the Geneva-Madison Knights of Columbus and a member of Assumption Catholic Church where he helped whenever called upon. He was a lifetime member of American Legion George Call Post 124 and Geneva VFW Post 6846. Raymond was also a member of Geneva Eagles Lodge 2243 for over 63 years. He was a lifetime member of the Harpersfield Historical Society and the Slovenian Lodge 30. He was lifetime member of the Democratic Party.

He is survived by Wife of nearly 62 years: Fina Gruber of Geneva

3 Sons Raymond (Frances) Gruber, Jr.of Harpersfield

Richard Gruber of Las Vegas, Nevada

Robert (Heather) Gruber of Wilmington, NC

1 Daughter Patricia (The Late Ryan) Penvose of Willoughby

11 Grandchildren

Melissa (Arun) Jacob

Kelly (Lisa) Scott

Eric, Ryan, Joshua, Clayton, and Amanda Gruber

Jason (Brandy) Gruber

Jerad (Brittney) Gruber

David (Lindsey) Gruber

Michelle (John) Mann

5 Great Grandchildren

Gage, Allison, Kyle, Abigail, and Nathanial

1 Brother:Joe (Leora) Gruber of Harpersfield

Sister Anne (Matt) Povse of Euclid

He was preceded in death by His Parents, Frank and Louise (Zenik) Gruber

2 Brothers, Frank and Louise Gruber

4 Sisters, Frances, Lillian, Mamie and Louise

Daughter, Priscilla Bell Gruber

Friends will be received 2-4 & 6-8 Tuesday October 16 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway, Geneva, Ohio

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Wednesday, October 17 at Assumption Catholic Church, Geneva, Ohio

Fr. Melvin Rusnak of Assumption Catholic Church will be officiating.

Final Resting Place will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Geneva

Contributions may be made to Assumption Parish or The Assumption School, 594 West Main Street, Geneva, OH 44041