Marvin L. Gruber, 59, of New Tripoli, died Dec. 7, 2022, in St. Luke’s Hospital Miners Campus, Coaldale.

The loving husband of Karen S. (Rauch) Gruber, the couple celebrated 35 years of marriage on June 20.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late George and Elsie (Snyder) Gruber.

A 1981 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, he also graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute, Allentown.

He had numerous professional certifications in public safety and EMS areas and was assistant chief of public safety for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, for the past 22 years.

Growing up on a dairy farm owned and operated by his parents in New Tripoli, was a time that likely shaped his unmatched work ethic.

He became a fixture in the New Tripoli community starting with his involvement in the fire service in the late 1980s.

He also served as assistant chief of the former Northwestern Ambulance Corps.

Most recently, he served as a deacon for Ebenezer United Church of Christ, New Tripoli, and was a volunteer firefighter for the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli since 2020.

Most of all, he loved his family.

He was a loving pop-pop to three grandchildren, an inspiring father to his son and daughter and a dedicated husband to his high school sweetheart, Karen.

His favorite day of the week was Thursday, when his family gathered to enjoy a meal and be together each week.

He and his wife loved to vacation at their favorite place, Disney World, and he was especially happy to take his grandchildren to Disney for their first visit last year.

He could usually be found tinkering in his shed or doing yard work around the house.

He loved to wash his cars and tend to his yard, like any good dad does.

With an infectious laugh and a genuine personality that garnered adoration from many, his warm laughter, clever wit and reassuring demeanor made him a magnetic force.

The void he leaves behind is immeasurable to his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, his survivors include his son, Nicholas (Natalie) Gruber of New Tripoli; daughter Jordan (Nathan) Lybarger of S. Tamaqua; grandchildren Cole, Lucas and McKenzie Gruber; brothers Clarence (Susan) Gruber of Allentown, Allen Gruber of Slatington, Roy (Linda) Gruber of Auburn, and Dale (Cheryl) Gruber of Shelbyville, Tenn.; sister Shirley Sohon of Shoemakersville; mother-in-law Barbara Rauch of New Tripoli; many nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters in the fire service.

He was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Bauscher, and his father-in-law, George A. Rauch.

A private funeral service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ebenezer UCC, sent directly to 7293 Decatur St., New Tripoli, PA and/or to Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, sent directly to 7242 Decatur St., New Tripoli, PA.

Condolences may be recorded at nesterfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made by Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, New Tripoli.