Lawrence F. Grucky, died peacefully with his family by his side on December 16 at the age of 66. He was born on August 24, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Arthur and Margaret Grucky. At the age of 4, the family relocated to Phoenix. He graduated from Gerard High School and started classes at Phoenix Community College. In 1970 he joined the Coast Guard and finished his service in New London, Connecticut, cooking for cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy until he was honorably discharged in 1973. Returning to Phoenix, he began working as a cook at Paradise Valley Country Club (PVCC). After graduating from the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute at the Arizona Biltmore in 1977 he became a certified Sous Chef staying at PVCC for 34 years. He was a member of the Chef’s Association of Greater Phoenix and retired in 2007. Gardening was his hobby and cooking, especially for his family, was his passion. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Toni, his son, Chad of Phoenix and daughter, Tara (Alex) Robinson, grandsons, Brenner and Kolton, of Laguna Niguel, California, his brothers, Tom (Karen) of Fallbrook, California, John (Nancy) and Michael (Lani) of Phoenix and many nieces and nephews. A Private Service for the family is being held Wednesday, December 21, 2016 and a Celebration of his life will be held On January 21, 2017 at the Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. 7th St. from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., for all the family and friends whose lives were touched by Larry. Donations can be made to the 100 Club, 333 N. 44th Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85008 or 100club.org. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Julie Soehren
Dear Toni and family,
I just found out about Larry’s death. Such a shock. My sympathy to the entire family.
Dan & Julie (Wilfahrt) Soehren
Sue Marrone
Toni and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed. You have my deepest sympathy.
Sue Marrone
Kim, Julie and the Kistler family
Toni,
Such sad and shocking news. Had just read your Christmas letter the day we got this news and were looking forward to reconnecting with you and Larry. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Tim Wilfahrt and Lois Peterson
Toni, Chad, Tara, Alex and the rest of the family-
All our best. All our love.
Sandy Johonson
Toni and family,
My heart aches for all of you. I will continue to lift you up in my prayers.
Sandy Johnson
Kara and Nathaniel Talledge
Sending hugs and peace.
Jill Johnson
Toni and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Larry, this is a terrible loss. Larry was a true gentleman and he will be greatly missed, as he was loved by all.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Johnson
Debra Rosaluk
Toni and family,
Warren and I are so shocked and saddened. Larry was an awesome man, a good friend and will be missed immensely. Thinking of you and your family, and keeping you all in our prayers.
Deb & Warren Rosaluk
Jeanette and David Ziegler
Larry was an incredible man! He touched our lives and will be greatly missed.
Lorie jarner
Toni and family. What a shock to hear this. I pray and meditate for peace for you. Sending our love,
Make & Lorie Jarner, NM
Amy Wilfahrt
So sorry for you loss Toni and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Amy Wilfahrt
Maybeth and Ed Sheridan
Toni,
I am so sorry this has happened. This is just tragic for you and your family. Please know that Ed and I are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Maybeth and Ed Sheridan
Charley Freericks
Toni,
Very sorry to hear about Larry and I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. May your sadness be replaced by smiles from your many happy memories.
Charley
Dawn Maxey
Toni.
I just heard the news today. So sorry for your loss, I will miss Larry’s smile and laughter. Big hugs to you and your family.
Dawn