Michael Allan Gruss

Mentor Native, kind gentle soul with a caring heart, love for music & avid Cleveland sports fan Michael A. Gruss, 71, unexpectedly passed away, and went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 16, 2024. Mike was born November 2, 1952 in Buffalo, NY, son to the late George and Katherine Gruss, of Mentor. Mike grew up in Mentor, enjoying early years of neighborhood basketball and football games, baseball years & tennis at Mentor Rec Park and playing various HS sports. Mike graduated from Mentor High School in 1971. After high school, Mike enjoyed college years at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor of Science / Industrial Technology Degree. Upon graduation, Mike moved to Philadelphia, started his career with Worthington Pump in Sales, supporting the Philly / NJ territories. He enjoyed east coast living, the Philadelphia sports scene and summer weekends at the Jersey shore. Mike eventually made his way back to the Cleveland area, where he worked many years in the IT field for a variety of companies including Key Corp. Mike retired in 2011, residing in the Lakewood, OH area throughout retirement. Along with enjoying time spent with family at summer outings in Michigan, Muskoka Lakes – Canada and Jersey Shore, Mike was an avid Cleveland Sports fan. He was also an avid reader, with a focus on history and sports, and enjoyed debating the next big move for his Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers in order to bring home a Cleveland championship. Mike had a true love for nature, hiking, camping & sharing numerous hikes at Holden Arboretum with his family members. Mike will be greatly missed by family, including three brothers, Richard (and spouse Linda) of Michigan, David (and companion Kim) of Michigan and Timothy (and spouse Maureen) of Pennsylvania, along with seven nieces and nephews and their respective spouses. Mike will be remembered for his unwavering support and love to his brothers and family members. He had a caring heart, gentle soul, always looking to help others. He rarely missed sending birthday cards and acknowledging special dates to his loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace with the Lord. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Divine Word Church, 8100 Eagle Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094 (please meet at the church.) Interment will follow and will take place in the Mentor Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Michael Allan Gruss

November 2, 1952 - February 16, 2024