Sitting here I’m not sure what to write. My sister in law; Mr. Gruber’s daughter, Cristina, is our common thread. Mr. Gruber and I weren’t especially close, we made the small talk and went through the motions that people do when you are family but not close family... but from the time I met him, and the many gatherings, a few NJ Jackals games and all the holidays since, he created this bond with my son Logan that will never be forgotten. As an only child for 9 years my son was always the “only child” everywhere we went... but Mr. Gruber always engaged him, asked questions, talked baseball even though he was a devout Yankees fan and my son is dedicated to the Mets. Mr. Gruber always included my son and it made him feel BIG, important, included. The hundreds of baseball cards Mr. Gruber gifted my son - including a huge binder where he could arrange the cards according to Mr. Gruber’s guidance - will always be treasured. In fact, Mr. Gruber thought about my son up until his final days and had another set of baseball cards delivered to Cristina’s house to gift him. Mr. Gruber’s genuine thoughtfulness won’t ever be forgotten. I am grateful to have known him, honored to know his daughter, and blessed to have her as an aunt and godmother to my children. Thank you for the baseball cards, Mr. Gruber. Rest In Peace. ❤️💙⚾️

A Poem for Frank
About 30 or so years ago, I went looking for a snack
Went to the CVS at the mall I worked, and first met Frank
I was looking at the candy bars and he steered me to the best one
Told me it was safe and good and each day I would get some
We happened to work the retail circuit but each time in different stores
At each location I moved to, I would see him once more
We exchanged phone numbers and became friends, he gave a lot of books
Never got to read them, as for friendship we were hooked
We had a lot in common, a love for movies and TV
We shared the same sense of humor, the “pun”ishment it would be
He was trying to be a college professor, I liked to work in music stores
He fulfilled his lifelong dreams; I got a best friend and more
We helped each other move around, went to conventions and the like
He got married and settled down, not long after so did I
I was jealous of all the famous people he met and places he did go
I was happy to be a part of his one and only video show
Even through the dark time at his Palisades Park, place
Our friendship would continue, when he left that space
We danced at His daughter’s wedding, and we saw some baseball games
I wore my silly judge outfit; we had a blast just the same
Playing baseball on his tv, I would try to make us laugh
By hitting a few players, he would tell me I was daft
Now we sit and reminisce over pizza that I bring each time
I prayed to the Lord for a miracle, dear Frank, and Hope within these rhymes. 


Frank was a great friend to my son Bob.They were like brothers to each other.When Bob who lives is Florida visited us in Jersey it was always Frank who drove him back to the airport.Frank was such a wonderful person and will be missed by anyone who knew him.My condolences to the whole family


Frank was my beloved brother. I miss him dearly and will cherish his memory for the rest of my life. Frank was always there for me, especially after my strokes, taking care of me and bringing me things I needed when no one else was available to do so. I will love you forever.

My uncle Frank was a huge influence on my life. He fostered my love of all things sci-fi and fantasy.  He was always sharing cool books/comics/movies/etc that he discovered. Frank was the only member of my family present at my wedding. He was a father figure to me and will be missed greatly.

OBITUARY

Frank Jay Gruber, Jr.

August 12, 1965 – February 19, 2020

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services