Obituary of La Verne T. Gruchacz

La Verne Theresa Gruchacz, 94, of Hilton Head Island, SC and formerly of Livingston, N.J., passed away at Hilton Head Hospital on April 21, 2021 with family at her side.  She was the beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Gruchacz who predeceased her in 2014. 

Born in Newark, N.J., La Verne was the sole child of Benjamin and Loretta (Foley) Stein of South Orange, N.J.  La Verne graduated from St. Vincent Academy in Newark, N.J. and Berkeley Secretarial School in East Orange, N.J.  She was an Executive Assistant at the Newark Evening News before moving to Livingston with Bob to raise their family.  With their three sons grown, La Verne and Bob moved to Hilton Head.

La Verne loved being with and conversing with family and friends, especially her five grandsons.  La Verne had a good sense of humor.  A week before passing she told her son she is now doing two things she never thought she would: riding the “old lady” bus to the doctor’s office and dining at the “old lady” table at the rehab facility. 

La Verne is survived by her loving family: sons, Bob (Lisa), Tom, Chris (Judy) and grandsons Rob, Matt, Ed, Tim, and Michael.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head, on May 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM with inurnment at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, St. Francis School- Tuition Assistance, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926.