Obituary of Christopher J. Gruver

Christopher J. Gruver Olean, NY Christopher J. Gruver, 48, of 132 Adams St., passed away Wednesday (June 29, 2022). Born August 24, 1973 in Olean, he was the son of Gary D. and Kathleen A. Maynard Gruver. Christopher was a 1991 graduate of Olean High School and attended Jamestown Community College, and SUNY Fredonia where he played baseball. He loved all sports, enjoyed bowling, was a cross country skier, and was an avid outdoorsman. He belonged to the Franklinville Conservation Club and was forever a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He loved fishing and hunting with his father and with his special friend Gary. His several pet golden retrievers over the years were a source of immense joy, the last of which was “Mollie Molsen”. Christopher was well-suited to work in the mental health field due to his good-natured, easy-going way. He worked as a peer advocate for Directions in Independent Living in Olean for a period of time and had the innate ability to make people feel valued and comfortable. He loved being with his family, especially with his nephews, Jordan and Alex Braymiller. He was always able to make those around him enjoy a good laugh. In recent years he treasured his time spent with his girlfriend Lori. In addition to his loving companion Lori Iszkiewicz and her family, especially her 3 grandchildren, he leaves behind his father Gary; his sister Michelle (Jason) Braymiller of Jamestown and her 2 children Jordan Braymiller and Alexandria Braymiller; an aunt Virginia Heimbach of Texas and 2 uncles John Mack of North Carolina and Grantland (Pat) Gruver of Kansas. He was predeceased by his mother Kathleen in 2021, and a brother Gregg Gruver in 2001. A Celebration of Life Service will be held later and will be announced. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 400 Sheridan Dr., Suite 321, Amherst, NY 14221 or to the SPCA of Cattaraugus County, 2944 Olean Hinsdale Rd., Olean, NY 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.