Richard S. “Rick” Grus
April 22, 1959 - September 24, 2023
Visitation: Friday, September 29, 2023, 3-7 pm; Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township
Service: Saturday, September 30, 2023, 10 am; St. Kilian Church
Richard S. “Rick” Grus
Rick Grus, 64, of Cranberry Township, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Rick was born April 22,1959, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, the son of Stanley and Elizabeth Grus. He was a 1977 graduate of Ambridge High School and attended Geneva College where he graduated in 1981 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he started work for Mason & Hanger–Silas Mason Co. at the Department of Energy’s Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX. He later accepted a position with the federal government working for the Defense Logistics Agency in Manassas, VA. It was in Manassas where he met the love of his life, Joanne. His federal career included working at the Naval Research Laboratory, the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Contract Management Agency, and the National Security Agency from which he retired in 2020 after thirty-four years of dedicated and distinguished federal service.
However, Rick considered his most important role in life was as a husband and father. His family was his passion, and he was totally devoted to them. Rick and Joanne spent endless hours with their sons, traveling, coaching their teams, attending their games and practices, fishing, attending concerts, or just spending time together as a family. Rick especially loved his alone time with his sons when they would go out for breakfast and just talk. He cherished every minute he had with the people he loved, and he didn’t take that time for granted. He loved talking about his children Matt and Michael and would tell everyone he met how proud he was of each of them. He was a devout Catholic and member of St Mark the Evangelist Parish (Saint Kilians Worship Site) Cranberry Township.
He was proceeded in death by his father Stanley Grus.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Joanne; two devoted sons, Matthew (Emily) Grus of Cranberry Twp, and Michael (Naomi) Grus of Harmony; his mother Elizabeth Grus of Brighton Township; his sister Vicky (Steven) Kellerman of Gibsonia, and a brother Dave (Brenda) Grus of Economy; his In-Laws John and Irene Juzwa of Ambridge; brother in law Mark (Heather) Juzwa of Canonsburg.
Donations may be made to Gleaners Food Bank, Cranberry Twp.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday from 3-7 pm at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Twp., 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10 am at St. Kilian Church. Private interment will be held at Economy Cemetery.
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Print Obituary Share Obituary
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Ricks passing. I worked with Rick (or Rickster) as we called him, at the Naval Research Laboratory public works near Bowling Air Force Base. Rick and his side kick Tom made work fun! The two of them would play the best pranks on me and I truly never had a bad day at work because of their silliness! He was such a good person and fun to work with….
Joanne and family, you all have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Rick, a loving husband and father. I recall his cheerfulness and the Christmas newsletters he wrote. He will be greatly missed by so many. Love, Jeanie
Rick, my co-dinosaur from work, I will miss you greatly. Our friendship over the last decade or so made life not only at work but everywhere a joy to live. How many times were we able to talk about our sons as they encountered life together. Whether it was football, lacrosse, going to college, girlfriends and engagements we shared it all. Joane, he was one of my greatest friends but he was your husband and Rick made it clear over the years that you were his life. My deepest thoughts and prayers go to you and your family over your great loss. I am so sorry that I could not be there today to say goodbye personally. Ed
Thinking of Rick and his family during this time. His son Michael was a college mate of mine and I send my deepest sympathies. Rick lived a truly blessed life.
I’m really sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. My condolences to the family and friends. I worked with Rick “Moose” as we called him, back in the 80s and 90s and he was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. A gentle giant. I imagine the “Moose is on the loose” in heaven.
We are saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We enjoye4d getting to know him during Lacrosse and will never forget him. He was truly a wonderful man.
I worked with Rick for a year or so before he retired. What I remember most about him… He was such a positive, patient, and nice man. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him in this life. My thoughts are with your family, I hope you can find peace during this difficult time.
Deepest deepest sympathy to Kuma Liz, Vicky and Dave AND entire family.
God is with you now and forever will be.
Love Diana , Donna and Greg Shaban and Family.
Our deepest condolences.
Rick was always a pleasure to be around at any high school event but especially during soccer games. Thanks for being there for Nicolas.
Joanne and Family,
Russ and I were so deeply saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Rose and Russ Luczak
Dear Jo — I want to offer my deepest condolences to you and your boys. Rick will be missed. Fond memories of a loving and kind man. So sorry for your loss.
Thinking of my good friend
See you again !
Bryce Easton
I worked with Rick for over 15 years (until I retired). Since, we have been in contact over the past 8 years. He was “one of the good ones” in every sense of the word. I could always make him laugh with my antics, even when he didn’t want to. I will miss him every day, until we meet again. Our thoughts and prayers to his wife and family in their loss. Yet we know in our hearts he is with us until the end.
Thinking of you and the boys. Again so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We will pray for all of you.