Harpersfield, OH - Raymond (Ray) Gruber Jr., a resident of Harpersfield Township, surrounded by his wife, Fran and family went to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 23, 2026. He was the son to Raymond & Fina Gruber and was born on June 1, 1951. Ray married Fran on May 6, 1972 at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland.

Survivors are his wife of nearly 54 years, of Harpersfield; son, Eric of Cortland, Ohio, Ryan of Oakland, Maine and Joshua of Harpersfield Township. He has five grandchildren: Gage, Eric Jr., Deanna, Hazel and Carter. Brothers, Richard (Ellie) of California, Robert (Heather) of North Carolina and sister Pat (late Ryan) Penvose of Harpersfield.

After graduation from Geneva High in 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his discharge, he worked at Geneva Rubber, Reliance Electric, Coe Mfg. and then became a Staff Representative for the United Steelworkers until his retirement in 2016. Ray and his wife owned North Coast Driving School. Ray & Fran then took over the family vineyards in Harpersfield which were established in 1920.

Ray is a Harpersfield Township Trustee and a member of the Ashtabula Township Association. He served as a Board Member for Northwest Ambulance, Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce and President of the Geneva Area Senior Corporation. Ray served on several Ashtabula County Committees and the Ashtabula County Port Authority Board. Prior President of Ashtabula County AFL-CIO and past President of Local Union 12833, United Steelworkers and current Board Chairman for the Welfare and Scholarship Program for the United Steelworkers, District One. Ray was a former member of the Harpersfield Ruritans. He was a member of the American Legion George Call Post 124. Ray worked closely with the Alexander Harper Family in preserving the heritage of Harpersfield Township. He was a prior member of Assumption Church. He was a lifetime member of the Democratic Party and supported working women and men's issues.

He was preceded in his death by his parents, Raymond & Eufrosina; sister, Priscilla Bell and Brother-in-law, Ryan Penvose.

Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway, in Geneva. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Assumption Catholic Church in Geneva. Burial will take place at Harpersfield Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Geneva Area Senior Center, Harpersfield Fire Dept or Assumption Church. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com