Latrobe Little League Player John Gritzer Dies at 84, Leaving Behind His Wife and Three Children!

October 1, 2026

Last updated by Nishan on October 1, 2026

John Gritzer, a cherished Latrobe Little League baseball player, departed this world at 84, leaving profound sorrow among his family of wife and three offspring.

Born November 30, 1941, in Greensburg, he descended from John M. Gritzer and Irene Sevcik Gritzer.

John embodied family devotion, military honor, and athletic passion—qualities etched deeply into community memory.

John F. “Sonny” Gritzer Departed at 84

Per obituary records, John passed peacefully at his Latrobe residence on Tuesday, September 30, 2026.

Surviving spouse Carol A. (Passmore) Gritzer, and children Tina Crew, Suzi Gritzer, Danny Gritzer remember him fondly.

His naval service as Vietnam-era air crewman in U.S. Squadron shaped camaraderie bonds still honored today.

Beyond service, Sonny championed fellow veterans securing benefits—a testament to enduring loyalty.

Leading American Legion Post No. 982 as commander for three years, he fostered local unity.

Affiliations included VFW Post No. 3414, Amvets Post No. 94, Hostetter Slovak Club, Cooperstown Veterans and Sportsmen Club, Lloydsville Firemen’s Club.

Sports ignited his youth; Latrobe Little League Indians and Teener League Moose defined early years. Later, church and firemen leagues saw him play softball with St. Vincent alongside Brother Pat Lacey O.S.B.

Family cherished outings to Pirates and Steelers games—memories destined to endure across generations.

Community grieves deeply yet remembers Sonny’s vibrant spirit forever.

Public Remembrance Details

• View John Gritzer’s memorial Thursday, October 2, 2026, 4:00–8:00 PM at Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home LLC.
• View funeral Mass Friday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Basilica; burial at St. Vincent Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post No. 33.

• Explore more articles on sports and community stories.

Nishan Dahal crafts narratives blending facts with empathy, capturing athletes’ untold journeys through PlayerBio.

Related articles

Δ

Spam protection active via Akismet.

Share article

- May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 13, 2026

May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

May 7, 2026