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Ronald Raymond Gruberg - Class of 1951
Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net>
on 18/Aug/2023
107.145.178.172
Ronald
Raymond Gruberg, emeritus professor of psychology,
distinguished jazz bassist, veteran of the United States
Marine Corps, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and
unfailing friend, passed away at home peacefully with his
loving wife Debbie by his side on March 23, 2023, at the age
of 90.
Ron was born on March 20, 1933, in Montgomery, NY, to
Catherine Fatt (née Johnson) and Louis Gruberg. In his
early years, Ron lived in Newburgh, NY, where he attended
and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy. In 1951, Ron
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the
Korean War, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal. After
returning from overseas, Ron pursued his education, earning
a Bachelor's Degree at Hartwick College in New York, a
Master's Degree in Psychology from Springfield College in
Massachusetts, and a Doctorate in Education from Albany
State College in New York. For more than 40 years, Ron was a
professor of psychology at CUNY and PACE universities in New
York City.
Ron was also an accomplished jazz bassist who worked with an
impressive list of musicians. In the 1960s, he was a pick-up
bassist for Stan Getz and Mose Allison. He was the bassist
in the Anthony Zano Trio and recorded the album "Everything
Swings" with that group in 1965. Ron had the opportunity to
work with many other noted musicians, including Lee Evans,
Joe Roccisano, Sandy Feldstein, and the Australian Jazz
Quintet. In the 1980s, Ron was a regular performer in
Bridgehampton at The Sugar Plum and Bobby Van’s.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Ron enjoyed living
in Greenwich Village, surrounded by the many close friends
he made over the years. Ron had an outgoing personality,
quick wit, and natural charisma that drew people to him, and
he could often be heard engaging in good-natured banter with
those he liked. However, his greatest joy came from the time
he spent with his beloved wife, Deborah Gruberg. For over 35
years, they traveled the world together and enjoyed each
other’s company and the unconditional love of their dogs.
Ron was a truly remarkable man who brightened and enriched
the lives of his family and many cherished friends whose
passing leaves a deep void. He is survived by his loving
wife, Debbie; his daughter, Lisa Piccone-Garcia, her
husband, Juan Antonio, and their son, Samuel; his stepson,
Bradley Schuber, his wife, Barbara, and their children,
Annalise and Henry; and his faithful dog, Georgette.
A wake for Ron will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Perazzo Funeral Home, 199
Bleecker Street, New York, NY. In lieu of flowers, friends
and family are invited to consider making a donation to The
Humane Society of New York.
Funeral Services
Memorial Service
April 1,
2023
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Perazzo Funeral Home
199 Bleecker St.
New York City, NY 10012
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