Gerald C. Grindrod Sr.

Gerald C. Grindrod Sr., 83, of Seltzer, Norwegian Township, passed away on Christmas Day, in the company of his family, at home.

Born on June 21, 1939, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (née Adukaitis) Grindrod.

He was a graduate of the School District of Philadelphia and joined the Philadelphia Fire Department, retiring as a firefighter in 1985. He later earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. After retirement, he worked for local retail outlets, including Ost & Ost Auto Parts and Leisure Living.

He was a member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Church, Minersville, and a current member of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Dolores Young.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Jacqueline "Jackie" Kirvitis; four children, Gerald Grindrod Jr. (spouse, Kathleen), Leesport, Christopher Grindrod (spouse, Heather), Ottsville, Bucks County, Joseph Grindrod, Seltzer, and Adriane Cuthbert (spouse, Stephen), North Carolina; eleven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three remaining siblings, Joseph Grindrod, Richboro, James Grindrod, Southampton, and Theresa Harrar, Bloomsburg; nieces and nephews.

The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. The family will gather again for a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Branch Township. The family prefers donations to St. Patrick Soup Kitchen, 504 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Visit www.dutcavich.com.