John F. Gritzer

1941 - 2025

John F. "Sonny" Gritzer, 84, of Latrobe, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at his home. Born Nov. 30, 1941, in Greensburg, he was the son of the late John M. Gritzer and Irene (Sevcik) Gritzer. Sonny was a member of St. Vincent Basilica Parish, Latrobe. A proud veteran of the Vietnam Era, he served as an air crewman with the U.S. Navy, Squadron VAW-33, at the Naval Air Station in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and landed on aircraft carriers many times. Throughout the years, he loved helping other veterans find and apply for benefits they earned. A life member of the American Legion Post No. 982 in Unity Township, he served as commander for three years. He was also a member of the VFW Post No. 3414, Amvets Post No. 94, Hostetter Slovak Club, Cooperstown Veterans and Sportsmen Club, and Lloydsville Firemen's Club. A lifelong sports fan, he enjoyed playing ball for many years. In his early years, he played with the Indians for Latrobe Little League and the Moose in the Teener League. Then, with the late Brother Pat Lacey, O.S.B., Sonny played softball for St. Vincent in the Church and Firemen leagues. He shared his love of sports with his family and cherished time spent with them at Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers games. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alex Crew. Sonny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol A. (Passmore) Gritzer, of Latrobe; three children, Tina Crew of Charlotte, NC, Suzi Gritzer (Mark Snyer) of Charlotte, NC, and Danny Gritzer (Donna) of Wilmington, NC; four grandchildren, Zachery Petrill (Samantha), Justin Dorsch, Robby Gritzer, and Nicco Crew; two great-grandchildren, Liam and Riley Petrill; and a sister, Debra Henderson, of Atlanta, GA. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital, 5th Floor, and Excela Health Home Care and Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at St. Vincent Basilica. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery with military honors accorded by the VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.