Mr. Bruce H. Grunow

PITTSFIELD- Bruce H. Grunow, 85, of East New Lenox Rd., passed away peacefully on May 28, 2018 at Berkshire Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born in Pittsfield, MA on September 7, 1932 the son of Otto M.A. and Jessie M. Smith Grunow; a 1950 graduate of Pittsfield High School every 5 years he helped organize their class reunions and was a 1959 graduate of Mount Ida College with a degree in Mortuary Science. In December of 1953 he was notified of his induction into the US ARMY, on January 14, 1954 he arrived at basic training. Following his return from his service in the Army he worked at the Pittsfield National Bank, where he met Roger Wellington, owner of Wellington Funeral Home. Shortly after that he joined Wellington Funeral Home, which he purchased in 1962, and went onto serve as the president for over 50 years until his retirement on January 1, 2004. A member Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, he served the church insurance various offices over his life. Bruce was extremely active in the community serving on the Pittsfield Area Council of Churches, which for many years he organized a clergy luncheon for area pastors. He was a 50 plus year member of the Mystic Lodge of Masons, a recipient of the Warren Medal, he served as Chaplin of the lodge and as the chairmen for the welfare committee. For 61 years he had been a member of the Pittsfield Civitan Club where he was a founding member, he had held almost every office and, for many years had been the top fruitcake salesman. He served two terms as district lieutenant governor of the New England Civitan and in July 20, 2000 he was elected as the New England District Governor for the 2000-2001 fiscal year, in this office he participated and performed many duties over the year. Bruce was a Life-Member of Dalton American Legion Post 155 in Dalton. On May 30, 1953 he married the former Shirley E. Fentner, they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary on May 30, 2018. He leaves his daughter Elizabeth A. Miller and her husband Darren of Stockbridge, MA, son Kurt W. Grunow of Pittsfield, grandchildren Erica Almeida, Alyssa Grunow, Rebecca Grunow, Jared Miller, Janelle Miller, two great grandchildren Jackson and Emily, brother Albert Grunow and his wife Deanne and several nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Otto M A and Jessie M. Smith Grunow, brother Robert W. Grunow, sister-in-law Mary E. Grunow and his son David B. Grunow. FUNERAL NOTICE- Funeral services for Bruce H. Grunow will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 1PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Timothy Wiseman pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery in Lenox, MA. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7PM at the WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME. Donations in his memory may be made to the Special Olympics of Massachusetts in care of the funeral home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mr. Bruce H. Grunow

September 7, 1932 - May 28, 2018