Gerald "Jerry" N. Grube SR

Gerald “Jerry” N. Grube, Sr., 85, of Bangor, PA, passed away peacefully in his Sleep, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and strength. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie A. Caracio Grube; his loving daughter, Jennifer Grube, who passed away on November 1st; his parents, Robert and Dorothy ( Moyer ) Grube; and his brothers, Robert, Raymond, and Richard. Born on July 21, 1940, Jerry grew up on the family farm in Nazareth and graduated from Nazareth High School. After graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as an Air Force Police officer and stationed in San Antonio, Texas. During his service, he received a formal letter of commendation for his role in providing security to the prime minister of the Philippines. On November 7, 1959, he was scheduled to board a plane, but was asked to stand down so higher-ranking officers could take his place; that plane later crashed, a moment that forever reminded him of the fragility and preciousness of life. He remained a proud serviceman all his days. Jerry met the love of his life at the former Collins & Aikman. Together, they built a home in Bangor, where they raised their family with strong values, humor, and unwavering commitment. Jerry worked as a foreman at several blouse mills throughout the Lehigh Valley, including Merry Maid and Connie Blouse in Roseto. When NAFTA caused many mills to close, he reinvented himself, earned a CDL, and drove a truck for Silver Line. He later took his exam to become a Corrections Officer at Northampton County Prison in Easton, a job he truly loved and took great pride in, and he worked there until his retirement while battling esophageal cancer. He fought and beat that cancer with the same grit and determination that defined his life. Deeply involved in local sports and school life, Jerry was a proud member of the Pius X Hall of Fame for his instrumental work on building Alumni Stadium. He served as President----” the first non-Italian, non-Catholic leader,” as he liked to say----at Pius X, as well as a leader in the Athletic Association and coach for many years. He also enjoyed playing softball and spent many seasons on the field with The Holiday Jacks in Palmer. Pop loved to tell stories and had a sharp wit and electric personality that lit every room, even when his humor was a little inappropriate. He was “Old School” in the best sense---- he loved his actions, showed up when it mattered, and stood by the people he cared about. He cherished the New York Yankees, his children, and great-grandchildren, and his VIP gambling tours with his brother John and friends. To those who knew him, he was the loyal, honorable, and dedicated person you could ever meet. Jerry’s life was one of service, resilience, community, and deep love for his family. He will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. Jerry is survived by his sister, Jean Themos of Plainfield, and his brother, John Grube of Easton, PA, his children, two daughters, Jackie and her husband, Phillip of Pen Argyl, and Terra and her husband, James of Easton, and his only son, Gerald “JJ” N. Grube Jr. and partner Shelly Miller of Nazareth. In addition to his children, Jerry was a devoted and loving grandfather to Anthony M. Cozzubbo, Tyler P. Cozzubbo, Jillian R, Cruz, and Darius C. West, Emily M. Grays, Josiah J. Grays, Lexyne E. Grays, James G. Grays, Gerald N. Grube III, and Evan M. Grube, as well as many great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy and pride. Family and Friends may call on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by services in the Fiore Funeral Home, 230 Market Street, Bangor, PA 18013. Burial with Military Honors will be in The Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto, PA. Online condolences may be offered at www.fiorefuneralhome.com

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Gerald "Jerry" N. Grube SR

July 21, 1940 - December 11, 2025