Obituary
Walter Donovan Gruff, age 77, of Winchester, VA, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Winchester Medical Center. Don was born April 5, 1938 in Wildwood, NJ and graduated from Wildwood High School in 1956 and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1969. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Holden) also of Wildwood, NJ who was his junior prom date and they were married for 58 years.
He is also survived by his four children, Sharon Lindle (Howard), Warren Gruff, Christopher Gruff (Robin), and Melanie Radford (Todd); 12 grandchildren, Christi Dunlap (Josh), Amy Sandonato (Jason), Jessica Lindle, Stephanie Gruff, Ashton Gruff, Clay Gruff, Jordan Merriner, David Gruff, Julia Merriner, Shaun Radford, Sophia Radford and Mason Radford; and five great-grandchildren, Bailey, Matthew, Tucker, Charlotte, and Sawyer all from the Winchester and Frederick County area.
Don was the eldest of three children and is survived by his sister, Grace Fristoe of Decatur, AL and brother, Charles Gruff (Margy) of Cape May Court House, NJ.
Don was a retired Major in the U.S. Army, after serving 25 years, including two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded numerous commendations and medals to include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
After 25 moves, Don and his family made Winchester their home for almost 30 years. He operated an antiques furniture and floor refinishing business until he was injured and had to retire again. He was also an avid hunter and lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan.
Don will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
A memorial service will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene, 180 Nazarene Drive, Winchester, VA 22601, on Sunday, November 22nd at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Events
01:00 PM
Winchester,, VA 22601