Obituary of Ronald Gruberg

March 23, 2023

RONALD RAYMOND GRUBERG, Ed.D., emeritus professor of psychology, distinguished jazz bassist, veteran of the United States Marine Corps, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and unfailing friend, passed away at home peacefully with his loving wife Debbie by his side on March 23, 2023, at the age of 90.

Ron was born on March 20, 1933, in Montgomery, NY, to Catherine Fatt (née Johnson) and Louis Gruberg.  In his early years, Ron lived in Newburgh, NY, where he attended and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy. In 1951, Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal. After returning from overseas, Ron pursued his education, earning a Bachelor's Degree at Hartwick College in New York, a Master's Degree in Psychology from Springfield College in Massachusetts, and a Doctorate in Education from Albany State College in New York. For more than 40 years, Ron was a professor of psychology at CUNY and PACE universities in New York City.

Ron was also an accomplished jazz bassist who worked with an impressive list of musicians. In the 1960s, he was a pick-up bassist for Stan Getz and Mose Allison. He was the bassist in the Anthony Zano Trio and recorded the album "Everything Swings" with that group in 1965. Ron had the opportunity to work with many other noted musicians, including Lee Evans, Joe Roccisano, Sandy Feldstein, and the Australian Jazz Quintet. In the 1980s, Ron was a regular performer in Bridgehampton at The Sugar Plum and Bobby Van’s.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Ron enjoyed living in Greenwich Village, surrounded by the many close friends he made over the years. Ron had an outgoing personality, quick wit, and natural charisma that drew people to him, and he could often be heard engaging in good-natured banter with those he liked. However, his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his beloved wife, Deborah Gruberg. For over 35 years, they traveled the world together and enjoyed each other’s company and the unconditional love of their dogs.

Ron was a truly remarkable man who brightened and enriched the lives of his family and many cherished friends whose passing leaves a deep void. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his daughter, Lisa Piccone-Garcia, her husband, Juan Antonio, and their son, Samuel; his stepson, Bradley Schuber, his wife, Barbara, and their children, Annalise and Henry; and his faithful dog, Georgette.

A wake for Ron will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Perazzo Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to consider making a donation to The Humane Society of New York.

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