Jeffrey Robert Gruhler passed away April 2, 2025. He was born April 25, 1983, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck – of course, on his due date, without the doctor present.
Jeff graduated from Queen of Peace Grammar School in North Arlington and Middletown High School North. He then completed his bachelor’s at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and attended additional classes at Harvard University.
Before eventually attending medical school, Jeff worked hard to tutor and mentor students with their prospective college applications at MAC testing. He began his medical studies at St. George’s University in True Blue, Grenada. Jeff completed his residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, where he was Chief Resident. The family looks upon this time fondly, especially Jeff’s father, who would have a weekly pizza party with Jeff at his studio apartment in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
Jeff practiced psychiatry in many different locations throughout his tenure. He made a difference in many patients’ lives by taking pride in providing exceptional, evidence-based care.
Jeff was an adventurous traveler, enjoying the winds on top Mount Fuji, the historic streets of Vienna, and Segwaying through Stockholm.
On his 30th birthday, he celebrated by skydiving and inviting his whole family for a celebratory meal at Pete & Elda’s in Neptune City. On his 40th birthday, Jeffrey took his family on a European cruise that brought them to Barcelona, Mallorca, Florence, Rome and Naples.
Jeff had a deep love and affection for animals, including French bulldogs and Sphynx cats. He was also an avid tennis fan, particularly of Rafael Nadal. Ultimately, he treated himself and his mother to the U.S. Open and the French Open at Roland-Garros, where they saw Rafa play. When Jeff lived in – or came back to – New Jersey, his first decision was always what Broadway show to see in New York; his last was “Redwood” in early March.
Two memories pop out that the family will remember fondly. First, when Jeff was asked to attend a photoshoot for his new baby brother Matthew, he proceeded not just to watch the photoshoot but to get dressed and be in it. The second was when Matthew ran the New York City Marathon – Jeff and their father accompanied him from mile 16 all the way to the finish line in Central Park.
Jeff was predeceased by his loving grandmother, Rosemary C. Hearn, his cousin and best friend Justin Campbell, and his godmother Rory Hearn. Jeff is survived by his mother Jacqueline Gruhler; his father Robert Gruhler; his brother Matthew Gruhler; his grandmother Alison Gruhler; and many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held in the future. Jeffrey’s eternal resting place will be with Justin at Greenwood Cemetery in Brielle.
For anyone inclined to honor Jeff and his memory, contributions can be made to:
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), which provides urgently needed medical and humanitarian aid in moments of crisis and conflict in 70 different countries.
The article originally appeared in the April 10 – 16, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
