Murphys, CA…Raymond Edward Gruendl April 10, 1926 – April 17, 2023. Long time, former resident of Oakland, Ray Gruendl, passed in the comfort of his home in Murphy’s, CA. The son and one of ten children of Anthony and Louise Gruendl of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ray passed peacefully to join his wife of 77 years, Charlotte Gruendl, who passed away on August 11, 2021. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday, which brought him to Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. Here, he met Charlotte, following her the first time he saw her until he had her phone number, and they were married soon after in 1946.

Ray was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 as a Boatswain’s Mate Second Class serving in the Pacific Theater of WWII. He also received machine shop training and developed an interest in becoming an electrician, which landed him an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His first electrician work was with the Southern Pacific Railroad, followed by time with Gil’s Electric in Oakland. In 1961 he left to start his own company, Ray’s Electric, which serves as his legacy with his son Greg growing the business into a prominent, commercial and engineering electrical contractor based in Oakland.

Ray was a devout Catholic from St. Michaels in Pittsburgh, to Corpus Christi and St. Leos in Oakland, to Our Lady of the Sierra in Arnold, and St. Patrick’s in Murphy’s and Angels Camp. His favorite pastimes included traveling the world with his wife, fishing and backpacking, golf, playing bridge with friends and neighbors, and spending time with his family, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Dr. Leslie Tepper-Gruendl, who entered life eternal Feb. 5, 2014, survived by her son Beau (wife Besh, daughter Allie and son Matthew), and his wife Charlotte, who entered life eternal August 11, 2021. He is survived by his sons Alan, Greg (wife Peggy, son Cade), Stuart (wife Jane, and sons Cole, Blake, Dane; stepchildren Jack and Kate), and Scott Gruendl.

A private Funeral Service to be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Murphy’s, followed immediately by internment in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery May 19th. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations in Ray’s name to St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, P.O. Box 576, Angels Camp, CA 95222.