Thomas Allan Gruber

Thomas Allan Gruber, a visionary marketing executive whose leadership helped define the global landscape of fast food, home entertainment, and automotive retail, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Lauderdale on February 22, 2026, at the age of 85. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend; a marketing guru, world traveler, and philanthropist.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Tom graduated from Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota. His career was a masterclass in American branding, beginning with 20 years at McDonald’s Corporation where as Vice President of International Marketing, he personally directed the launch of the brand into 14 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Tom later joined Wayne Huizenga to revolutionize home entertainment as the Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Blockbuster Video, developing the concepts that propelled the company to become the world’s largest video rental chain. After retirement from Blockbuster, he served as Chairman of AVEX Home Entertainment Corporation before rejoining Huizenga to launch AutoNation USA. There, he created the name, logo, and marketing strategies that built the largest automobile retailer in the world. His work earned him the honor of being named one of “America’s Top 100 Marketing Innovators” by Advertising Age.

In his later years, Tom’s focus shifted to service, specifically toward honoring the "Greatest Generation." As a trustee of The National WWII Museum, he was an active member of the Marketing Committee, and Four-Star Patriots Circle Member. Tom made a transformative gift by underwriting the Polly and Tom Gruber Patriots Circle Lounge at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center in New Orleans, as well as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Sculpture Bench which greets visitors upon their arrival to the Museum.

His philanthropic reach also extended to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, where he was honored with the lifetime status of Director Emeritus. He also served for several years as a Director for the Armed Services YMCA of the USA and as a director of South Florida’s Museum of Discovery & Science.

Tom’s leadership style was rooted in his early years of service: He proudly served in the United States Army as a Company Commander, attaining the rank of Captain. Before his corporate rise, he was also a highly decorated athlete, holding titles as a national champion speed skater and a Minnesota State champion badminton player.

Despite a lifetime of accomplishments in business and community involvement, Tom wanted it known that the most meaningful and important things in life were his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Polly, and a proud father to his daughters, Cody Rae (Jesse Kedy) and Haley (Nicholas Desantis). He was the doting grandfather to Bella-Grace, Emma-Rose, and Jonah Kedy, and Axel and Birk Desantis; beloved son of the late Art and Edna Gruber, and brother to Kathy Haeger (Bob) and the late Dick Gruber. He also leaves behind numerous treasured nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tom’s name to The National WWII Museum (New Orleans, LA), an institution he deeply loved and supported.

May Tom’s memory be a blessing.

זִכְרוֹנוֹ לִבְרָכָה

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 at the KRAEER - FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family in Arlington National Cemetery.