Obituary of Louis Joseph Gruber Jr

Louis Joseph Gruber Jr. of Palmyra Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania passed away from a stroke on March 22, 2023. He was 64 years old. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances, his son Louis III and wife Jillian, his son Joseph and wife Madison, his daughter Jean Marie and husband Adam; grandchildren: Annabella, Lucie, Abigail, Sloane, Theo, Arlo and Hannah; sister Susan Gruber LoFranco and husband Al Sbarsky; brother John and wife Beth and their children, Ellen and Quinn. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Louis Joseph Gruber, Sr., in 1993, and his Mom, Jean Marie Daut Gruber, in 2018. Louis worked in hospitality most of his professional life, putting himself through college at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, bartending at the American Airlines Admiral's Club, at JFK Airport. Frustrated with the lack of parking spaces in NYC he bought himself a Kawasaki motorcycle he could park easier. After college Louis worked for the Sheraton Hotel Corporation and was part of the team to open the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans; then managed food and beverage at the Sheraton Russell in Manhattan. In the mid 80's Louis joined his Dad in an off premises catering business operating from a 1500 square foot space in Middle Village, Queens. In 1990 a fire in an adjoining business spread to the Gruber kitchen forcing it to close, and rebuilding in the same location was not an option because the NYC building code had changed. With the help of cousin Frieda Hocevar, who had access to a catering hall in Ridgewood, Queens - the business continued to operate while various options were being evaluated. Ever the optimist, and with the assistance of friend Robert Harder, who was a loan officer at a bank, Louis was able to borrow enough to rent and rebuild in a 9000 square foot warehouse, in Maspeth, an industrial area of Queens. The risk paid off as the additional space facilitated more production, and by 1998 was able to buy the warehouse. Louis thoroughly enjoyed the food business and compared every event to opening night, with no second chances. After the shock of September 11, and the impact it had on business, the continued stresses of making timely banquet food deliveries in NYC traffic, all while hot food is kept above 140 degrees, cold food below 40 degrees - the stamina needed for the long work hours was wearing thin, and Louis reevaluated his career. He sold Gruber Foods in 2004 and became a full time resident of Wayne County, joining his family who had moved there in 1992, after 6 year old Joseph was hit by a car in Queens. He appreciated every day he was able to enjoy the country and often spoke of his childhood summers in Hawley, then later as a lifeguard at Lukan's pool. Louis' grandparents, Alois and Maria Gruber, had a small farm on Long Ridge Road and in 1951 sold it to Alois and Olga Lukan, but the Grubers kept a summer home across the road - giving their grandchildren the opportunity to experience the rural area. During this time Louis became a certified scuba diver and enjoyed scuba trips to Bonaire; he learned to fly a single engine plane at the Cherry Ridge Airport; and went on numerous fishing trips off Montauk, Long Island. Louis had limited knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electric - but with a "can do" attitude, help from friends, and a willingness to learn, he restored an old farmhouse several miles outside of Hawley, and maintained the office building in Honesdale where Frances works. His most recent project was the restoration of the Holbert home at 703 Old Willow Ave., pondering over every detail and enjoying the process. He liked researching the history of the property and finding appropriate suppliers: the cedar for the exterior was imported from Canada, ceiling panels from Brooklyn, custom cabinets by Wayne Stauffer, in Waymart. The late Rudy Schemitz helped him replicate some of the woodwork. Louis consulted with Robert Green in replacing the windows and railing, in order to install surfaces where the water would drain down. Working on this project was a labor of love. During the last six years the joy Louis had for his grandchildren is immeasurable. Acknowledging how much he missed with his own children, working long hours. He was happy to spend time with the new generation, cheering on every milestone. Louis enjoyed trips to Garmish Partenkirchen in Germany, Venice, Rome, Sicily and was most especially fascinated by the Panama Canal. As a teenager Louis was a member of the Original Enzian Schuhplattlers, traveling with his lederhosen to attend Gaufests. Louis was a life member of the Wayne County Historical Society. Funeral arrangements are through Teeter's in Hawley. The family is planning a Celebration of Life service, which will include a five minute film, and several speakers. All are invited: Sunday, April 2, 2023 2:00 pm Lukan's Farm Resort 539 Long Ridge Road Hawley, PA 18428 In lieu of gifts or flowers the family asks anyone who wishes to make a memorial donation to: The Wayne County Community Foundation Historic Preservation Fund 214 Ninth St. Honesdale, PA 18431