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Joseph Selwyn Gruss

Joseph Gruss Obituary

Joseph Selwyn Gruss

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Joe Gruss.

"Big Joe" died peacefully at home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Eve Gruss and daughter Jennie Gruss (Joe Polito), sister Anne Levin and brother Charles Gruss.

We have sent him off to his next adventure with his best golfing attire, a vintage wooden golf club, and treats for his beloved pets Archie, Emily and Snookums.

As a loving husband and father, iconic surgeon, and impactful mentor, Joe can never be replaced. His teachings, sayings and infectious enthusiasm will forever remain part of our memories.

Rather than have a memorial service, Joe's wishes were to have his ashes sprinkled on St. Andrew's Golf Course in Scotland. Friends and Family are invited to share memories at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joegruss/tributes

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor at either (or both) of the following:

1. Gruss Lectureship in Facial Reconstruction Fund https://giveto.seattlechildrens.org/gruss

2. Pancan/Purple Stride Walk for Pancreatic Cancer http://support.pancan.org/site/TR?fr_id=1832&pg=team&team_id=21396

Joe made our world a better place. He is at peace and in all our thoughts and prayers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jun. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gruss

Sponsored by The Family.

15 Entries

Savanna

February 6, 2024

Savanna

February 6, 2024

Dr. Gruss was my doctor since I was 3 months old. He performed as many as 10 surgeries on my face. Everytime I look in the mirror or someone looks at me I have him to thank for removing a large nevus. I get consistent compliments on my looks and it is all thanks to him removing a possibly cancerous mole from it, that covered over half my skull. Thank you to his family. He made my face a work of art that I can confidently smile with.

Michael Mitchell

June 24, 2023

Joe and I spent many many hours together in the operating room and on the golf course. We were also significant participants in the team of surgeons separating the Lincoln Twins (one of whom has recently made the news by announcing a successful pregnancy and delivery!). During the separation procedure (which took over 30 hours), having finished our initial roles in the surgery we 'took a break' (during ortho's part), left the OR and were able to manage several holes of golf! Only to return and spend the night and part of the next day completing the case. Joe was a great surgeon who loved golf as well! Mike

Lynn Wilson-Lyttle

September 10, 2020

While browsing the internet today, I was totally shocked to learn of Joe's untimely passing. As his secretary from his Sunnybrook Days, I can't say enough about this kind and caring man who was the best "boss" I have ever worked for. When Joe, Eve Jenny left Toronto for Seattle, the bottom dropped out of my world. I truly loved working for such a gentleman and getting to know his family and have never forgotten their kindness and generosity to me and my family over the seven years I was associated with his practice. Joe was such a gifted and talented surgeon, loved by his patients and highly respected by his colleagues around the world. He was innovative and ahead of his time and performed miracles his chosen field. Peace with you Joe. Thanks for the great memories and to Eve and Jenny, my heartfelt condolences for your irreplaceable loss.

Dr. Gruss with his patient, Megan (Noack) Hughes and her daughter, Hazel.

Megan Hughes

January 22, 2020

Megan Noack Hughes

January 22, 2020

Dr. Gruss has always been and will continue to be my hero. I met him at three weeks old and remained his patient for 25 years. He performed my 15th--and last operation a few months before he retired. Such a man can't possibly be replaced. He saw me through my roughest years and supported me with the greatest of optimism. I can still hear his lovely voice greeting me with hello at appointments and asking about my family. His life will undoubtedly be honored throughout the medical community and also through the lives of the patients he so dearly loved and cared for. The last time I saw him I asked what he planned to do during retirement, and he responded, "Go to Scotland to play golf."

I love you, Dr. Gruss. Thank you for giving me my best life.

Christa Lee

September 20, 2019

I had the good fortune of receiving life changing surgeries from Dr. Gruss since I was 3 years old and every few years after until his retirement. He helped give me the confidence that I needed to be my true self, the person who I knew I was on the inside. He gave me freedom. His light has not left the world, for he has left his brightness with every patient, colleague, student, teacher, friend, and family member. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

Dr. Gruss, gone but never forgotten.

Michael Mitchell

August 9, 2019

I knew Joe well as a master surgeon and colleague at Children's. He was also a treasured skillful golfing partner. As a master of both endeavors he traveled the world, sharing his expertise, teaching, curing, what many felt to be incurable, and challenging any course that may happen to be accessible. He loved a challenge and could tackle plastic reconstructions that others felt to be impossible. I was fortunate enough to share unforgettable times with Joe both in the operating room and on courses locally and abroad. Perhaps one of the most notable experiences together was participating in the separation of the Lincoln twins (36 hours one weekend), a technical tour de force, (that ultimately made it to 60 Minutes). Not commonly appreciated, however, is that during the case, we were able to get in 5 holes at Sandpoint while the general surgeons worked on the gastrointestinal tracts. Joe was simply remarkable, unflappable, technically brilliant, tenacious, uniquely creative, but still amazingly gentle and kind. There are many, many patients who have been blessed by his efforts. He definitely loved adventure and a challenge and was never one to avoid walking on the edge' or going where others feared to tread'. He did surgeries others considered to be impossible, a master surgeon. Yet he was genuine, considerate and loved his patients. He was also a talented golfer who cherished the adventure, the more difficult the shot the happier he was. My friend, Joe Gruss, unique, amazing .

Stephen & Angela Hardy

July 18, 2019

For the eternal repose of his soul.

July 5, 2019

I had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Gruss since I was 3 until I was 15.. he was an amazing, kind gentle man! I was blessed to have encountered such a soul! My prayers are with your family during this time ❤

July 3, 2019

Dr. Gruss was an extraordinary, world-class surgeon whose skills were only exceeded by his humility, care, compassion and gentle manner for his patients. Jack and Susie Kennedy

Joe, Mark and Myron at Streamsong. Great surgeon, Great friend, Great human being. We will all miss you Joe.

July 2, 2019

Alf Nastri

July 1, 2019

Joe I will always remember your trips to Melbourne and our huge dinners at Jimmys Greek Tavern......but above all your great teaching and sharing of your years of experience in facial surgery. Cheers and see you on the flip side. Alf Nastri Melbourne Australia

Dee Malchow, RN

June 30, 2019

A great loss. May his family and friends be comforted by God at this hard time. A man in Uzbekistan received a new face by Dr Gruss in 2001. An artist indeed! Grateful to know him.

Chip Routt, MD

June 30, 2019

My sincere sympathy and prayers and love to you all. A master surgeon and artist and colleague.

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