Edwin E Gruner

TORRINGTON – Edwin E. Gruner, 91, a longtime Torrington resident, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2022, at St Mary’s Hospital after a long illness. He was the devoted husband for 65 years of Margot Gruner before her passing in 2020.

Edwin was born April 8, 1931, in Schweighofen, Germany, son of the late August and Mathilde (Heyl) Gruner.

At an earlier age, Edwin worked many jobs and became a jack of all trades. He finally found his passion working in the Textile industry.

In 1957, he followed a job opportunity to the U.S., moving the rest of his family shortly thereafter. He worked at Litchfield Fabrics starting as floor worker and working his way up to becoming manager and part-owner.

Edwin loved working with his hands, whether it was tending to his garden, doing yardwork or crafting ornate designs on his iron fences. Although he wasn’t a sports fan, you would always find him in the bleachers watching and cheering for his sons and daughter while they played softball, and in one instance he actually played in a playoff game with them, and we won.

Edwin and Margot often travelled back to Germany to visit relatives and to Cancun on vacation with friends. He was a long-time Elks member and volunteer working as a waiter and behind the scenes in the kitchen. He loved playing all kinds of card games with long-time friends and family. 

Edwin also loved cooking and enjoyed making his own soups from any leftovers he had. He loved eating deer, quail and rabbit, and he loved going to the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets.

Left to cherish his memory are sons Peter and Bonnie (Bossi) of Southington, Michael and Diane (Carangelo) of Naugatuck, Thomas and Christina (Florence) of Conway, S.C.; and daughter Jacqueline Kuchta of Statesville, N.C.

He also leaves behind his sister Renate Schiel and brother Geo Gruner of Germany; grandchildren Peter J., Scott, Andrew, David and Colin; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Edwin was predeceased by his sister, Gisela Schlosser.

The family thanks Lyuda Ligouri and Natasha and Jak Assa for all of their love and wonderful care they provided to Edwin in his remaining years. We also want to thank St Mary’s Hospital and Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit for their compassionate care. He will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be at Phalen Funeral Home on Tuesday Dec. 6, from 5-7 PM. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence, visit phalenfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

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