Obituary of George J. Gruff

Gruff, Jr. George J.?Gruffy?, of Westville, NJ on May 9, 2007. Aged 75 years. George was a native of NJ, born in Woodbury, who served his country in the United States Air Force as a Flight Engineer on both B-29 bombers and KC-97 air refueling tankers during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in California he met and married his wife of 53 years, the late Jennie nee Yanez Gruff. After military service, together they relocated to Westville, NJ to raise their family. George was a Vice President of Mechanical Contracting Company and a member of the Local 19, Sheet Metal Workers Union. After he retired he established Gruffy Consulting, performing freelance design for mechanical contracting companies. He was very involved with the Westville community. He belonged to the Lions Club, Town Council, and the Westville Fire Department, where he was a ?life time? member, holding a variety of positions from Treasurer to President, as well as the Fire Chief for four years. He was very passionate about politics and loved to debate. George played as hard as he worked. His leisure passions included reading, especially History, fishing followed by making experimental seafood dishes in Jennie?s kitchen and golf outings with his best friends. He loved the Jersey Shore and spending time with his ?Rat Pack?-lifelong friend that date back as far as high school. Jennie and George traveled extensively throughout the United States after his retirement. George was very proud of all of his children?s accomplishments and he loved to watch his grandchildren grow up, develop and participate in athletic events. He defined his worth by his ability to provide for his family and was never shy about supporting causes or individuals he cared about. Beloved husband of the late Jennie nee Yanez Devoted father of Pamela J. Hartman Robert, Wenonah, NJ; Cynthia J. Gruff Valeski Victor, Mullica Hill, NJ ; George W. Gruff., Sr. Bernadette, Gloucester, NJ ; Scott Gruff, Woodbury Heights, NJ; & his ?adopted? daughter LuAnn Conner Dear brother of Charles Gruff. Loving grandfather of George W. Gruff, Jr., Emily Gruff, Aaron Hartman & 3 step-grandchildren Theodore Hartman, Chris Valeski & Megan Valeski. Viewing Monday 6:30 PM?9 PM and Tuesday 9:30 AM ?10:45 AM in the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096 Funeral Service Tuesday 11 AM in the funeral home. Interment Eglington Cemetery In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Delaware Valley Stroke Council, 1528 Walnut St., Suite 903, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or Heartland Hospice, 800 Jessup Rd., Suite 808, Thorofare, NJ 08086. Tributes may be shared by clicking the sign guestbook icon. ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home?