John J. Gruskowski

John Gruskowski, most fondly known as "Mr. G.", of McClellandtown (High House) passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He was born June 12, 1941 on his grandparent's farm in Centerville, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leona Gruskowski; his in-laws, Frank and Josephine Zelenak; and a grandson, Frank Chilcote. John was a 1959 graduate of Beth Center High School and completed his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at California University of Pennsylvania and William & Mary. For 36 years, Mr. G. was a beloved educator, starting his career at German Township High School and finishing at Albert Gallatin Senior High School. A stalwart champion of public education, he served two terms on the Albert Gallatin School Board and he was the founder of the Albert Gallatin Education Foundation. Mr. G. gained respect as a strong advocate through his union work with the AGEA, was a member of PSEA Retired, and was a past-president of the Fayette County Association of School Retirees. John was a longtime member of St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown, where he served many years as a lector. He volunteered with the Friendship Hill Association, and you may have even seen him dressed as Mr. Gallatin roaming the grounds at Festifall. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 41 years, Dorothy; two daughters, Therese (Adam) Wilson of Smithfield, PA and Annie (Glen) Chilcote of Blacksburg, VA; the loves of Jaja's life, his three grandchildren, Aubrey, Elijah, and Everett; sister, Carolyn Gruskowski of Centerville, PA; and many loving extended family members, former students, and colleagues. The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of Amedisys Hospice, with special thanks to Melissa and Amanda for their care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Albert Gallatin Education Foundation (2625 Morgantown Road, Uniontown, PA 15401) to continue Mr. G's life's work of supporting public education. Family and friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext. Uniontown on Friday from 2-8 PM. Saturday Prayers of Transfer 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary (Nativity) Church, 61 N. Mount Vernon Ave., Uniontown. Interment will be in St. Mary (Nativity) Cemetery, Uniontown. "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." He was proud to have lived to see his children's children. And as John often said, "Take care of each other." Your personal written tributes and memories are welcome and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com
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