John “Jack” A. Grugle, most recently a resident of Church Hill Village, Newtown, Conn., peacefully passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 91. Jack was born on October 3, 1931, to Hildegarde and Albert (Barney) Grugle, and though he was christened John, he was always known to his friends and family as Jack.

Jack was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Arlene, who he met on a blind date. He is also predeceased by his loving son who he missed dearly, Robert.

Survivors include his daughter, Kathryn (Scott) Wolf; his daughter-in-law Kim Grugle; and his beloved grandchildren, Peter (Lauren) Grugle, Alison (Jake) Grugle, Elizabeth Wolf, and Carolyn Wolf; as well as his cherished great-grandchildren, Graham and Lilah Grugle.

Jack was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a graduate of Miami University in 1953, and received a master’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1974. After serving two years in the United States Army as a medical technician at Camp Carson Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jack returned to Cleveland, married Arlene, and accepted a position teaching industrial arts and general science at Euclid Central Junior High School in Euclid, Ohio. After two years, industry beckoned and Jack became the training supervisor for the Cleveland Twist Drill Company. In 1972, industry beckoned once again and Jack accepted a position with the General Electric Company which resulted in his being transferred to KOA Radio and TV Station in Denver, Colorado, as the manager of employee and community relations. Two years later, Jack was transferred to the corporate headquarters of GE Broadcasting and Cablevision Co in Schenectady, N.Y., as the manager of personnel administration. Jack capped his career by accepting a position as vice president of human resources with the First Vermont Bank and Trust Company in Brattleboro, Vermont, where he remained until his retirement.

Jack and Arlene enjoyed being snowbirds at their condo at Timber Creek in Bradenton, Fla., where they were active members of the Timber Creek Social Committee, planning many parties and other activities. In addition, they dominated their shuffleboard league for many years. Since their condo was on a golf course, Jack took up golf. The pro he trained with, who was strangely prophetic, said that he would never get good at golf, so just have fun. Jack never got good, but he had a great time trying.

Jack’s community activities included serving on the Denver United Negro College Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, the Zoning Board of Chesterfield, N.H., serving as a Preaching Deacon in the Lutheran Church, as well as the radio voice for services at the United Church of Christ, the big white church at the head of the square in Keene, New Hampshire. He was also active as a member of the Keene, N.H., Lions Club, where his most favorite memory was running the lights for their yearly musical productions.

Jack’s family is grateful for all the time they had with him. He told great stories, had a keen sense of humor, and loved playing cards with family on Sunday evenings. He always offered great wisdom and advice for anyone who asked.

Jack’s funeral will be held Tuesday, November 29, at 11 am, at Newtown United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook. A visitation with the family will be held immediately prior between 9:30 to 11 am in the sanctuary.

Jack loved watching his family volunteer with LOF Adaptive Skiers, a 501(c)(3) organization, and would be pleased to have memorial donations sent to LOF Adaptive Skiers c/o, 90 Housatonic Drive, Sandy Hook CT 06482.