Dr. Gene William Gruver

Dr. Gene Gruver

Dr. Gene William Gruver, 82, beloved father, grandfather and husband, died suddenly on Sept. 29, 2024.

He was born on March 25, 1943, in Scott City to Tom and Neva (Gassert) Gruver.

On Aug. 21, 1966, he married Marcia (Speer) Gruver. She preceded him in death.

Gene is the father of Candice Kail, New York City, N.Y., and John Gruver, Pittsburgh, Pa., and a grandfather of Camille, New York City, N.Y. and Allyson, Andrue, Evan, Gwen and Alexandra, Pittsburgh, Pa.

He is also survived by his sister, Arlita Hummelke, and brothers, Royce Gruver and Norval Gruver, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene was a professor of economics emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh and had been retired since 2012. He was a graduate of Southwestern College, Winfield, with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and earned his PhD and Masters degrees in economics at Iowa State University.

He joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in 1970 where his research interests included environmental economics, economic development and quantitative policy modeling. Gene was a Fulbright Professor in Kenya and served as both a faculty member and Academic Dean on Semester at Sea.

A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, Gene served on many professional, educational and church committees and boards. He is a beloved friend to many church members, neighbors, colleagues and former classmates.

Gene valued friends, family and community and loved spending time with them. His thoughtful depth of listening and his supportive kindness are among the many things that friends and family will miss.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his honor to the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh or the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Wed., Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be expressed at Freyvogel Funeral Home (freyvogelfuneralhome. com).