FORESTVILLE: Michael Gruber, 74, of Rt. 39 Forestville, died Friday, March 11th, 2016 at his residence following a 5 year battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was born in Lackawanna, on May 25, 1941, the son of the late Samuel and Eva (Dzelajialia) Gruber. Mr. Gruber was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1959 and served in the U.S. Marines as a Cpl.
He started as a Bus Driver for Forestville Central School in 1966 & became Transportation Supervisor in July 1992, retiring in May 2000. Previously, he was a part-time truck driver for Gernatt Asphalt for 12 years and worked for the former JN Adam Developmental Center for 13 years as a Safety Officer. He also owned & operated a Dairy Farm for approximately 20 years and M. Gruber & Son Lime Service for 25 years. Mr. Gruber was a member of J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forestville and he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to Gettysburg.
Devoted husband of Catherine M. (Franklin) Gruber, of Forestville, whom he married May 2, 1964, in the Free Methodist Church, Gowanda, Loving father of Neal (Chris) Gruber, of South Dayton; Christina (Jessie) Perison, of Perrysburg; brother of Steve (Ruth) Gruber, of South Dayton and Cherished Poppie of Megan & Ava Gruber. Also surviving are several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by 2 sisters Christine Cummings and Patricia Franklin.
There will be no visitation observed. Memorial Services will be held Saturday afternoon, May 21st, at 2 o’clock, from J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post, Cedar Street, Forestville. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Perrysburg Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, PO Box 492, Forestville, NY 14062 or to HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc., 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to the Charity of One’s Choice. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com
7 Comments
Andrew Pollok
Catherine, Neal and families. I am so sorry to have heard of Mike’s passing and my thoughts are with you all at this time.
Mike as a customer and a friend was one of my favorites, he always liked to rag on me over prices, and visits to the farm or to the school were always full of banter. Mike was one of the only people that I ever allowed to call me Andy and he always did with a grin…
He was loved, admired and respected by many. Semper Fidelis Mike.
Gidge & Kathy
Mike was very much like family to us. We are grateful that his suffering is over, but we will miss him more than anyone can ever know. R.I.P. Mike. We are proud to have known you and to have called you,friend.
Janelle Hartloff
Dear Gruber family,
Our sincerest sympathy during this very sad time. We will miss our neighbor Mr. Gruber (Mike). God bless and may your memories lift you up, Duane, Janelle, Wayne and Trent Hartloff
Larry Brown
Mike was a good man and highly respected member of the community. The country needs more men like him. He will be missed.
Ben Schilling
RIP to the man who drove me to my first day of Kindergarten, way back in 1971; when Straight Road was still called “Town Line” road. He will always be remembered as a kind, and careful driver…a good man indeed. My Dad always spoke highly of him, as a fellow Farmer and Forestville school-mate. May his service to his country, and to all of us, never be forgotten.
Dave Kolstee
Cathy,
I was so sad to read of Mike’s passing away. I liked Mike the first time I met him in 1988. He was just a great guy and a great bus driver. We had so much fun together at the garage and later when he became the supervisor at the conferences in Albany with you and Mike both. Remember Ben and Jerry’s ice cream place every year. I thought the world of Mike and you as well. I wish I had lived closer so I could have seen you both more after I left Forestville. I will remember you and Mike forever and I will always cherish his and your friendship.
Dick Rodriguez
Cathy
I was saddened to hear of Mike’s death. You both have been in our prayers for many years. He is an example of a true gentleman. May God comfort you and your family in this difficult time.
Dick Rodriguez