Paul John Gruber, II

Cambridge - Paul John Gruber, II, previously of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. He was 87 years old.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on July 25, 1937, Paul was the son of the late Paul John and Beatrice (Hinchman) Gruber. After graduating from Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, New Jersey, Paul earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame where he participated in the ROTC program.  After school, he served in the Army where he was a paratrooper.  He also served as an interpreter when he was stationed in Texas, near the Mexican border. He returned to the New York City metropolitan area, where he secured a position with ITT in Manhattan.  After a short time at ITT, he left the corporate world to become a teacher.  He began his teaching career in NJ and later became a teacher at Mechanicville High School, where he taught for 27 years.  Teaching was part of his nature.  He was a wise man with outstanding communication skills, combined with patience, compassion and understanding.  Most importantly, he cared about the kids he taught.  He had a long, fulfilling career as a teacher and had a profound impact on many lives.

In addition to his work in education, Paul was a part time real estate agent and also an investment advisor, always eager to help others navigate financial decisions.  He truly found fulfillment in his career as a teacher.  His civic engagement extended to his local community, where he was a committed member of the Republican Party and served two terms as the Cambridge Town Supervisor. Paul was also deeply involved in his faith as a longtime, devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in Cambridge, where he contributed his time and talents to various church committees.

Passionate about his country, he considered civic duty and serving the community very important and demonstrated that throughout his life.  Cambridge was his home for 47 years.  He loved the countryside, the town and the people of Cambridge.  He loved the local community and was very active within it through his membership with the Cambridge Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus in Cambridge. He also served on the Board of Directors for Adirondack Community College, always prioritizing the betterment of the local community. Beyond his service, Paul had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, enjoying skiing, playing tennis, and golfing later in life. With a natural gift for storytelling, he could often be found reciting long poems or listening to music. He was known for his love of outdoors and always had a mindful appreciation for the beauty of the world around him.

He lived his life with a positive attitude and a loving heart. He was guided by his strong sense of faith and strong family values.

Paul is survived by his children, Sandy (Jim) Cummings of Doylestown, PA, Paul J. Gruber, III of Albany, NY, and Larry (Michele) Gruber of East Greenbush, NY. He was a proud grandfather to Jess Cummings, Katie Cummings, Devin Cummings, Ben Gruber and Maddie Gruber. He also leaves behind his sister, Barbara (Barry) Winkler of North Haledon, NJ, and his niece, Gina (Arturas) Karnisovas.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Adrianna Hoek Gruber, who passed away on April 3, 2024, as well as his sister, Cathy Tucci.

Calling hours will be held at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park St., Cambridge, with Rev. Peter Tkocz officiating.

Interment with military honors will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Paul may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park Street, Cambridge, NY 12816, or the Cambridge Lions Club, P.O. Box 292, Cambridge, NY 12816 or Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5200, Harlan, IA   51593-0700 or online at support.crs.org

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Paul, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul John Gruber, II, please visit our floral store.