William E. Gruner

William "Bill" Edward Gruner, 70, died unexpectedly April 19, 2018, in Brooksville, Fla. Formerly of Rockland, Mass., Mr. Gruner was a Homosassa, Fla., resident. He enjoyed fishing Florida's West Coast waters in his 15-foot skiff. He had moved two years ago from Wildwood, Fla., where he enjoyed fishing the fresh water. He belonged to the Tri-County Fly Fishing club. Mr. Gruner worked for three winters as a volunteer in the Everglades National Park at Everglades City. There he greeted park visitors, taught fly fishing to children, made various repairs and helped maintain boat engines. He often accompanied park rangers by boat around the 10,000 Islands portion of the park. He worked in many other capacities at the park and returned there to vacation in his motor home. Retired, Mr. Gruner, lived most of his life in Massachusetts, where he had managed Crout's Bicycle Store in Quincy for many years. He had also worked as a hydraulics and car mechanic. He enjoyed boating and maintained his own boat's motors. Mr. Gruner is survived by his brother, Robert of Damascus MD, and sister-in-law, Lyn, and nephews, Derek and Robert. Also, by his son, Michael of Scituate, Mass.; daughter, Stacey Miller of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; stepsons, Charles "Chip" Leonard of Rockland, Mass., and Eric Rayleonard of Palmer, Mass.; and eight grandchildren, Ava, Ryan, Jacob, Paige, Brooke, Chase, Domenick and Donovan. He also leaves behind his significant other, Shirley Leonard of Homosassa, Fla.; and former wife, Kerry Ryder of Whitman, Mass. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Channing Church, 45 Webster Street, Rockland, Mass.