Gregory Brian Gruendler, age 67, of Jacobus, died at 8:55 PM Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Wellspan York Hospital.

Born October 6, 1956, in York, the son of the late Edward G. and Norma L. (Klahold) Gruendler, he graduated from York Vo Tech drafting and design course in 1974 and was later invited back to assist with instruction in the specialty. As an Engineer, he specialized in Fire Protection and Suppression.  He worked at JDB Engineering for many years and then KCI in Sparks, Maryland. He enjoyed the special clearances to work in government facilities such as the Pentagon and Camp David. As his health declined, he never took off his engineering hat, designing a pulley system to move laundry up and down steps and strategic placement of handrails.

He also worked in civic duty for many years, beginning with serving on Jacobus Borough Council, on the Sewer Authority in the 1980’s, and as current Mayor, with his term set to expire in November 2024. He was an organ donor through Gift of Life and was a frequent blood donor through the Red Cross, having been recognized as a member of the 20-gallon club.  He also adopted many stray cats.

He was a member of First Saint John’s Lutheran Church in York, Jacobus Lions Ambulance Club, the Jacobus Lions Club, and the Izaak Walton League, (where he also served as President).  He was also a Ham Radio Operator and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association.

He could always be seen selling brooms at events as a fundraiser for the Lions Club and enjoyed the annual 4th of July celebrations. He was a passionate gun collector, and regularly attended shooting matches locally at Izaak Walton League as well as across the country.  

Mr. Gruendler is survived by a sister, Carla E. Allison, and her husband Jerry, of Dallastown; a stepbrother, Daniel Deardorff, of York; a stepsister, Cathy Livingston, of York; a nephew, Matthew Binko, and his wife Jamie, of York; and three great nieces. He was also preceded in death by a stepbrother, David Deardorff.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, with Vicar Geoff Abendschoen officiating. Viewings will be from 4:00-6:00 PM Monday and 9:00-10:00 AM Tuesday. Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 140 West King Street, York, PA 17401.

The family would like to send special thanks to his friends at the Jacobus Lions Ambulance Club (“call Earl”). his neighbor, Terry, as well as Carl and Trent and Sieu-Sim Cheah, all of the Borough Council team, and his best “shooting buddies” Art, Terry, Hersh and many more.