Norman Gruczelak

1937 - 2017

Norman Gruczelak
Sept. 23, 1937 - Feb. 20, 2017
Ben Lomond, California
Norm Gruczelak, 79, of Ben Lomond slipped from the hands of his wife, Colly, into the loving arms of God on Monday, February 20, 2017. He is survived by Colly, six children and nine grandchildren. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois on the near north side. He graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in computer science as a mechanical engineer. He completed his grad work at USC in computer science.
Norm's career began at Ampex Corporation in Redwood City. He served as President of Bright Industries in Sunnyvale, California. In 1974 he formed Gruczelak and Associates, Inc. in Newbury Park, California, a design and consulting company that developed and manufactured computer prototypes for major corporations. In 2007, along with his son, he developed a concrete washout system for which he still holds a patent, along with 8 other patents.
Prior to moving to Ben Lomond in 2004, Norm and his wife, Colly, lived in Southern California for 28 years. During this time, Norm was an avid pilot, longtime member of the Aviation Country Club and the Quiet Birdmen Hanger. He served as a member of the board of the Ventura County Airport Commission. Norm also served on the President's Advisory Council of California Lutheran University. He was a loyal member of a weekly Thousand Oaks card club for many years.
After moving back to Northern California in 2004, Norm became an avid supporter of the Stanford Cardinals. He was also a member of the Santa Cruz Elks Club and SIRS of Santa Cruz.
Norm will be remembered as a true gentleman. He was a wise, loving, trustworthy and honorable man. A private memorial service will be held in his honor. Donations may be made in Norm's name to Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.