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Thomas Michael Gruber, of Huntingdon, went to be with the Lord on Monday at the age of 74. Born in Altoona, Tom was the youngest son of Willibald "Willie" Gruber and Mary Theresa "Tassie" (Hopfl) Gruber of Altoona.
He was preceded in death by his mother in 1974; his father in 2003; and his stepmother, Catherine (Jarkiewicz) Gruber in 2021.
Thomas was a 1971 graduate of Altoona Area High School.
Mr. Gruber is survived by two children from his first marriage: Marc and his wife, Rebecca (Brickell) Gruber, of Boalsburg; and Melissa (Gruber) and her husband, Brian Weikert, of Huntingdon; and an older brother, William Gruber, of Arlington, Va.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Snare) of Huntingdon. They were wed on Sept. 20, 2008. Also surviving are three stepchildren: William D. Hopkins of Huntingdon; Ryan Hopkins and wife, Kara (Metz) Hopkins, of Mill Creek; and Sarah (Hopkins) Helton and husband, Major Zack Helton, USAF, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
He is also survived by four granddaughters whom he adored: Roslyn Mae Gruber, who lives in Pittsburgh, Emma and Raelynn Weikert of Huntingdon and Callen Helton of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mr. Gruber was a faithful member of the Community Chapel of Hesston, where he enjoyed helping the church in any way he could.
He was employed for more than 55 years in grocery store management by BiLo/Riverside, Giant Eagle and Weis Markets in varying management roles and responsibilities, where he served the communities in which he lived and worked.
Outside of work, he enjoyed trips to Lancaster with his "Miss Patty," yard work, gardening and taking in an evening on his front porch, seated in his favorite rocking chair, where he would greet anyone who passed by with a listening ear. Ice cream dates and chasing his granddaughters through the park were the absolute joys of his life. He could most often be found at Donna's Restaurant in Huntingdon, where he enjoyed countless cups of coffee with members of the community.
Friends and family will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at the Community Chapel of Hesston, 5789 Orchard Road, Huntingdon. Services will immediately follow, with the Rev. Scott Decker officiating.
Arrangements are by Robert E. Peters Funeral Home, Huntingdon.