Michael Gruce

Michael “Mickey” Cyril Gruce, 80, of Milford, died on October 10 at Bridgeport Hospital.

He was the father of James Gruce of Newtown.

Son of the late Michael and Teresa Gruce, he was born on July 3, 1921, in Bridgeport and was a lifelong area resident. Mr Gruce was a US Army veteran of World War II, and served with the 106th Infantry Division as sergeant. During basic training at Ft Jackson, S.C., he was the company bugler and barracks postmaster. During combat in Europe, he was captured on December 21, 1944, in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a prisoner of war until his liberation in 1945. Mr Gruce was a frequent local lecturer on his wartime experiences. He was the recipient of many decorations and citations, including the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern with three brass stars, the Medal of Good Conduct, and the Purple Heart Award. Mr Gruce was employed by the Bullard Company for 28 years, and then Sikorsky Aircraft for 17 years as a manufacturing engineer, retiring in 1985.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Theresa “Teddy” (Tybor) Gruce; and his son, Michael J. Gruce. He is mourned by his other children, Joan Gruce of Trumbull, Carol Bolin and husband, Dan, of Trumbull; David Gruce of Bridgeport; John Gruce and wife, Patty, of Davison, N.C., and William Gruce of Derby; 11 grandchildren, Geoffrey Gruce and wife, Jen, Michael Gruce and wife, Barbara, Jennifer, Hillary, Hayley, Gregory and Anthony Gruce, Daniel, Greg and William Mazza, and Jessie Bolin; five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Kayla, Michael and Jesse; one sister, Margie Gruce of Trumbull; and one sister-in-law, Ann Gruce of Bridgeport.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 13, at 9:30 am in St Mary Church in Milford. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Friends may call on Friday, October 12, from 4 to 8 pm in the Cyril F. Mullins Trumbull Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Memorial contributions maybe made to the World War II Memorial Fund, American Battle Monuments Commission, Attn: GR048, PO Box 96074, Washington, DC 20090-6074.

The Newtown Bee         October 12, 2001