Irvin Aaron Gruber was born in Philadelphia on March 5, 1927, to Isadore and Mollie Gruber.

Irv grew up in North Phila. helping his family run Gruber's Candy Store on the corner of 8th and Norris.

Irv was predeceased by his wife of 22 years, Ann, son Michael Flanagan, daughter Ann Mellon, grandson Leon Flanagan, brothers Sol and Stewart Gruber.

He was proud to have worked for Philadelphia Gas Works for 36 years as an Air Conditioning Sales Representative, having won multiple “Master Salesman of the Year’ awards. In 1969 his award recognized him for selling 143 gas air conditioning systems having a total cooling capacity of 464 tons representing total sales volume of close to a quarter of a million dollars, “equal or exceeding the national performance by an individual salesman”!

In 1993, he moved to Florida where he lived a vibrant life ballroom dancing, league bowling and poker multiple days a week. After a fall, we lured him back to Philadelphia in 2021 to be closer to family. Although not entirely happy with that decision, he was able to enjoy time with everyone, sharing in holidays, family celebrations, bowling and vacations.

He was a proud Navy veteran of World War II serving from 1945 – 1946 aboard the USS Tazewell stationed in San Francisco Bay.

He is survived by and will be missed by his cherished family, son, Leon Flanagan (Marianne), 8 grandchildren: Kristine Castillo (Jasper), Lisa McSain (Mark), Jennifer Argabright, Michael Flanagan (Kate), Charles Mellon (Bernadette), Veronica Houtz (DJ), John Flanagan (Lisa), Marianne Guest (Chris), as well as 22 great grandchildren and 14 great, great grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his sister-in-law, Claire, niece Ilene Rothblat (David) and nephew Steven Gruber (Bonnie) as well as great nieces and nephews, Michael, Molly, Justin and Sarah.

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services on Tuesday, July 14, 11:30 AM at GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S SUBURBAN NORTH, 310 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966. Interment at Montefiore Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or charity of the donor’s choice.