Eugene J. “Gene,” “Gruve” Gruver, age 96, of Manchester Township, York, died at 7:30 AM Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence. He was the husband of Joanne (Scholl) Kistler-Gruver and the late Catherine Anne Fackler Gruver. 

Born September 8, 1929, in East Berlin, a son of the late John and Susan (Bosserman) Gruver, he graduated from East Berlin High School, attended Philadelphia College of the Bible, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Gettysburg College, and his Masters Degree in School Administration from Western Maryland College. He retired as Principal in 1993 from Eastern York School District after 38 years. He served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War. He enjoyed skiing throughout Europe and the United States until the age of 94. He also played tennis and enjoyed listening to Big Band and German music. He was a member of the Susquehanna Ski Club and the 55+ Ski and Bicycle Club. 

In addition to his wife of 30 years, Mr. Gruver is survived by four children, Jeffrey E. Gruver (Viktoria), Beth Anne Gruver Bailey, Stephen M. Gruver (Rae Ann), Jeanne Marie Gruver Doll (Brian); three stepchildren, Amy Kistler Gunarich (Andrew), Dr. Meg Kistler Figdore (Christopher), and Dr. Douglas G. Kistler (Melissa); eight grandchildren, Daniel, Bryan, David, Katrina, Alex, and Lily Kate Gruver, and Joshua and BriAnna Doll; six step grandchildren, Sarah Harbold, Aaron Gunarich, Matthew Figdore, Katelyn Figdore, Emily Doherty, and Morgan Kistler; five great grandchildren; a sister, Betty Alice Baker; and a brother, Glenn LeRoy Gruver. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Max Gruver, a sister, Norma Emma Gruver, two brother in laws, Dr. Martin Luther Fackler, and James L. L. Baker, and a sister in law, Gloria A. Gruver. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, January 9, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2740 Roosevelt Avenue, York, with Pastor Jesse Loggans. Burial will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, with military honors provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. A luncheon at the church will follow burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 2740 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17408 or to American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.