Rev. Anthony Gruber

West Hartford — The Rev. Anthony P. Gruber, 81, passed away peacefully at St. Mary Home in West Hartford on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.

Born in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, Fr. Tony was the beloved son of Anthony and Emma Gruber. He received his bachelor and master degrees in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America and was ordained on June 6, 1970, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich.

Fr. Tony served the spiritual needs of the Norwich Diocese for 47 years. He served in several parishes throughout the Diocese as well as in the Diocesan Finance Office, and on various boards and committees. Fr. Tony was very instrumental in developing what is now The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, and greatly enjoyed the people of Haiti, traveling there annually for many years. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, gatherings with family and friends, and summer trips to Ocean City, N.J. During his retirement in Niantic, he was an active member of St. Agnes parish and ministered at the local prison.

He is survived by his sister, Antoinette Wynn, 14 nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents, and dear sisters, Mary Snyder and Loretta Plummer.

Fr. Tony’s body will be received at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, at St. Mary’s Church, 70 Central Ave., Norwich. His body will lie in state until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Education Fund or Paula Thybulle’s Home for Girls.

The Woyasz & Son Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.