Obituary of Philip A. Gruccio

Philip Anthony Gruccio passed away on February 8, 2018 at the age of 88 years. A native of Vineland, Philip graduated from Georgetown University in 1949 and earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown in 1952. He served in the Air Force from 1952-1954. He opened his law firm in 1954 and practiced law until his appointment to the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1972. During that time he served as Assignment Judge and sat on the Appellate Court until his retirement in 1992. He then served as Associate Dean at Widener University School of Law. Throughout the years he has been recognized with many awards including the Distinguished Adjunct Professor Award from Widener University, the Bishop's Medal from the Diocese of Camden, the Thomas Moore Award from the Diocese of Camden, the Distinguished Service Award from Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, and the Gregor Mendel Award from St. Augustine Preparatory School. He also served as a legal consultant to Mission to Ethiopia, Center for Democracy and Governance, USAID. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Doris, daughters Christina and husband James, Diane and husband Lawrence, Barbara, Lisa and son Philip and wife Denise; grandchildren Elizabeth, Jeffrey and wife Johanna, Nicholas, Madeleine, Matthew, Phoebe; great-grandchild Bennett; sister Gloria and husband Joseph, brother James and wife Marie Elena. He is also survived by his dear friend and caregiver Claudia Curcio. He is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Anna Gruccio and his sister Marie Marandola. A private service was held on Tuesday February 13, 2018. Donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Academy, 1001 Main Road, Newfield, NJ 08344 or the charity of your choice.