Joseph Eugene Gruden

Mr. Joseph Eugene Gruden, age 67 of Frederick walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, August 22, 2011 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. He was the devoted husband for 46 years to Rose Mary (Cramer) Gruden. Born on June 13, 1944, he was the son of Dorothy Mae Reed and the late Joseph Michael Gruden.

Mr. Gruden served as an aircraft mechanic for four years in the United States Navy. He worked as a telecommunication specialist first for NIH, retiring in 1999 and later for Fort Detrick, retiring in 2009. He enjoyed traveling to the beach with his family. A notable trip was to Iquitos, Peru where he served on a mission trip helping to build a church and a school. He was a member of the Apostolic Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church in Frederick. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #0011. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

He was the loving father of Gina Christoff and husband Patrick, Julie Ritchie and husband David, and Justin Gruden, all of Frederick. He was the grandfather of Makayla Ritchie and Kaitlyn and Emma Christoff. He is additionally survived by his sister Mary Masser and husband Philip of Frederick and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 1 to 2 PM at the Apostolic Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church, 7857 Gambrill Park Rd., Frederick, MD 21702 where funeral services will be held at 2 PM. The Rev. Michael W. Mangold will officiate. Contributions may be made in Mr. Gruden's name to his church at the above address. The interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. Arrangements entrusted to the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, Frederick and for those wishing to view and sign the family online guest book may do so by going to www.keeneybasford.com.