Dr. Gene William Gruver, age 81, beloved father, grandfather, and husband, passed away suddenly on Sunday September 29, 2024. He was born on March 25, 1943 in Scott City, Kansas, to Tom and Neva (Gassert) Gruver. On August 21, 1966, he was married to Marcia Speer Gruver, who preceded him in death. Gene is the father of Candice Kail of New York City and John Gruver of Pittsburgh, and is the grandfather of Camille of New York City and Allyson, Andrue, Evan, Gwen, and Alexandra of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his sister, Arlita Hummelke, and brothers, Royce Gruver and Norval Gruver, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene was a Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh and had been retired since 2012. He was a graduate of Southwestern College (B.A. in Mathematics) and earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Economics at Iowa State University. Gene joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in 1970 where his research interests included environmental economics, economic development, and quantitative policy modeling. He studied the environmental impact of the steel industry and the role of the introduction of new mini mill technology with respect to regional economic development and regional environmental quality. Gene was a Fulbright Professor in Kenya and served as both a faculty member and Academic Dean on Semester at Sea.  

A longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, Gene served on many professional, educational, and church committees and boards. He is a beloved friend to many church members, neighbors, colleagues, and former classmates. Gene valued friends, family, and community, and loved spending time with them. His thoughtful depth of listening and his supportive kindness are among the many things that friends and family will miss.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh or to the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Condolences may be expressed at Freyvogel Funeral Home. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)