Ronald J. Gruninger's Obituary
With deep sadness, Ronald Joseph “Poppy” “RG1” Gruninger of Syracuse, passed away June 27, 2020 at Upstate University Hospital with his loving daughter by his side.
Ron attended St. John the Baptist School, where he met and married the love of his life, Marie Theresa “Chickie” (Sansone) on September 3, 1955. He retired from Rockwell and General Motors and was a US Army Veteran
Ron continued his annual visits to Florida to visit his son, daughter in law and grandsons. Ron was soft spoken but was very loving and caring. Above all, he loved his family and always put their needs first. He enjoyed watching Syracuse sports, Yankees, NASCAR, bowling and playing his lottery. He loved to play golf, especially when he visited Florida and played with his favorite partner, “RG2” and grandsons. He enjoyed the TV clicker, card games, especially some serious family pitch games and UNO with his great grandchildren, he loved to win! He had a weakness for sweets and candy, especially lemon meringue, pumpkin & strawberry pie, strawberry shortcake, plain donuts, his special Christmas sugar cookie, potato sticks, Milky Way bars and chocolate milk.
Ron is predeceased by his wife, Marie; parents William and Veronica (Deitz) Gruninger, brothers William and Robert. He is survived by his loving daughter, Linda Gruninger (Jimmy); son, Ronald J. Gruninger, Jr “RG2, Jr. (Brendy), granddaughter Amy Battilana- Meyer (Hans), grandsons, Ronald J. Gruninger III “RG3” (Natalie) and David J. Gruninger; great-granddaughters Ava and Gwenyth Meyer and Sienna Gruninger; and great-grandsons, Hans Meyer and David Gruninger; Sister-in-laws, brother-in-law, many nieces and nephews. A Special thank you to granddaughter Amy and nieces Kathy and Judy for all their loving help with Poppy. He was very blessed to have so many loving family members and will be dearly missed.
A funeral mass in celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at St John the Baptist Church, Syracuse, burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Monday, July 6, from 4 to 7 pm at the Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.), North Syracuse, 13212.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St John the Baptist Church or CNYSPCA
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