Dennis Michael Gruber

Born November fifth, 1946 at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward G. Gruber and Jane Frances McDonald (nee) Gruber, Dennis grew up in a rollicking home with nine brothers and sisters. In Denny’s own words:

“Life in the fifties was a wonderful time

And all of it happened at forty twenty nine.”

After graduating from St. Savior Grade School and Moeller High School, Dennis attended Xavier University where he studied business graduating in 1969 with a BS in Marketing.

The first half of Denny’s career was in retail. He worked at Mabley and Carew in Cincinnati, Bergner’s Dept. Stores based in Peoria, Illinois as a Men’s Sportswear Buyer, General Merchandise Mgr. and Vice President of Sales. He continued his career as an Assistant Store Manager of Shillito’s in Louisville, Kentucky; then moved to Dayton as Manager of the Lazarus Store on North Salem. He made a career change in 1990 selling cars for Jake Sweeney in Cincinnati. In car sales he found his career passion. In 1991 Dennis joined Martin Automotive Group as Manager of Saturn of Dayton which in subsequent years became Subaru of Dayton. Denny had a strong work ethic and understood the importance of a positive environment in the work place. He took great pride in mentoring his employees, supporting them in their efforts to succeed. He was proud of his team and the care they demonstrated to customers and the community. He retired after twenty one years in 2012.

Denny met Patricia Brennan at Bergner’s in Peoria, IL. They married on August 23, 1975 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, Illinois. Together they welcomed their daughter, Lauren Marie, in April 1978 and their son, Kevin Michael, in November 1979. Dennis was a devoted father; proud of his children encouraging them to follow their own path in life and to value family. Grandchildren brought a new joy to Denny’s life. He reveled in time with them always searching out new ways to entertain and explore their young worlds.

Dennis is survived by one daughter Lauren (Peter) Gruber-Orlow and their son Brenner of Kettering, one son Kevin, his daughter Aaliyah and step-son Isaiah. He is also survived by three brothers, James Gruber of Cincinnati, Timothy (Mary) Gruber of Richwood, KY, David (Donna) Gruber of Cincinnati. He is also survived by six sisters, Diane (Thomas) Niehaus of Columbus, Elaine (Steve) Delaplane of Pine Island, FL, Lynn Mitchell of Cincinnati, JoAnn (Gordon) Woolley of Louisville, KY, Gerri (James) Richter of Downingtown, PA, Chris (Rick) Volk of Eagle River, AK and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife Patricia Gruber.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Jane Gruber.

A memorial mass will be offered on Monday, Nov. 5th 2018 at Incarnation Church 55 Williamsburg Lane, Centerville, OH. A one hour visitation will precede the mass. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, Nov 4th, 2018, from 2:00 to 5:00 at Anderson Funeral Home 1357 East Second St. Franklin, OH. Cremation rights have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to the James Gruber Endowed Fund for Aging Education c/o UC Foundation P.O. Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219-0970 web address <http://foundation.uc.edu/Gruber> or Hospice House of Dayton web address http://www.hospiceofdayton.org/donations" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.hospiceofdayton.org/donations .

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.anderson-fh.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.anderson-fh.com .

The family would like to thank all of the physicians, nurses and staff at Kettering Medical Center and Hospice House of Dayton for their care and concern. The family would also like to thank Denny’s friends for sharing their friendship, love and lives with Dennis.