Leon Gruss

Leon Gruss, 91, of Jefferson Twp. passed away tragically on Aug. 21, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, after his house exploded on Aug. 20, 2024. He was the widower of Diane (Dornheim) Gruss, who also tragically passed from injuries sustained in the house explosion. The couple would have celebrated 33 years of marriage this September.

Leon was born in Minooka. After high school, he joined the military where he was discharged as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. While enlisted, he received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Service Defense Medal. After leaving the Marines, Leon worked as a specialty car painter and a body shop mechanic for Eureka in Dunmore.

Although he was known for his talent of working on cars, Leon was also quite good at building things from scratch. He built his family homestead as well as all the furniture on the back porch himself. Leon also created a Venturi Water System, which he was very proud of. When he wasn't working on a project, you could often find him riding his Spyder motorcycle to have breakfast with friends, shopping online for gadgets or parts, especially on Temu, enjoying his sweets or spending time with the love his life, his wife, Diane.

Leon is survived by his son, Christopher Gruss and his wife, Joan; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and his chosen family, Victoria, Quinn, whom he lovingly called "Q" and Tommy, the light of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine; his sister, Leona Connolly; and his nephew, John Connolly.

A memorial service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at Elmhurst Country Club, 319 Gardner Road, Elmhurst Twp., PA 18444.

Visitation will also be held on Monday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service, also at the country club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leon's memory, can be made to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1013 Mumma Road, Suite 203, Wormleysburg, PA 17043; or the Animal Care Association SPCA, 1916 Rosanna Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services LLC in Spring Brook Twp. To share your fondest memories of Leon, please visit the funeral home's website or Facebook page.