Paul Simon Gruic

Paul S. Gruic, age 84, passed away March 17, 2026. Born October 19, 1941 in Akron, Ohio, Paul lived a life that was as full of warmth and laughter as it was of quiet, generous purpose. To know Paul was to love him, and to be ready to settle in for a great story.

Paul grew up in the greater Akron area, attended St. Vincent High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Akron. He spent 33 years with the Goodyear Tire Finance Division, bringing the same steady, dependable character to his work that he brought to everything in his life.

But numbers and spreadsheets never told the full story of who Paul was. His heart lived in service to others. A devoted member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Paul served as a Eucharistic Minister and gave years of himself to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, serving as president and treasurer of his parish chapter, and as treasurer and board member of the Society's Akron District Council. He also served alongside the Fr. Hilkert Ozanam Center, and walked faithfully with his wife Marcy as they visited families in need throughout southern Summit County. Earlier in life, Paul and his first wife Janet were deeply involved in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and other marriage enrichment programs, a reflection of how seriously Paul took love, commitment, and the call to pour himself into the lives of others. He extended that same generosity in retirement, volunteering his time to help low- and middle-income families navigate their tax returns. He gave because it was simply who he was.

Paul was a man who had seen the world, visiting 49 states and 28 countries, 24 of them alongside his wife Marcy, and yet he never seemed more at home than when he was surrounded by the people he loved, spinning a story that had everyone leaning in. He had a gift for it. Whether the tale was funny, heartfelt, or somewhere in between, Paul had a way of making you feel like you were right there with him.

His love of baseball was lifelong and genuine. He played through two years of college and competed on fast pitch softball teams across the Akron area for years, even suiting up in the Silver League well into retirement, because why stop doing something you love? He cheered for the Cleveland Indians with pure joy and for the Cleveland Browns with the kind of unconditional love that, honestly, tells you everything you need to know about the man.

Above all else, Paul loved his family with his whole heart. That love was not passive. It showed up in his presence, his sacrifice, his faith, and his endless willingness to put others first.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marcy; son, Christopher; daughter, Laura (Mike) Griffith; grandchildren, Jacob (Melissa) Gruic, Jamie Sullinger, Joey Griffith, Bryce Griffith, and Julia Griffith; great-granddaughter, Hallie; brother, Tom (Geraldine) Gruic; stepson, John Rasinski; stepdaughter, Jane (Jason) Pramik; and stepgrandchildren, Beth (Al) Mirabella-Rasinski, John Paul Rasinski, Catherine Rasinski, and David Pramik. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet; his parents, Simon and Loretta Gruic; and his brother, James.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 22 from 3:30-6:00PM at the Anthony Funeral Home of Green - 4178 Massillon Road (corner of Massillon and Steese Roads, entrance off Steese). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 23 at 11:30 AM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Road. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Queen of Heaven Society of St. Vincent de Paul.