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Kenneth F. "Grunny" Grunwald

March 28, 1969 - June 07, 2026

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Obituary For Kenneth F. "Grunny" Grunwald

Age 57, of Baldwin, formerly of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 7, 2026. Loving husband of Christina Grunwald. Devoted father of Emma (Connor) Murphy and Ryan Grunwald. Cherished son of Hubert Grunwald and Liane Grunwald. Brother to Stefan (Fiona) Grunwald. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Annoyed, yet loving owner of one dog and two cats.

In 1991, Ken graduated from State University of New York at Geneseo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. He primarily worked in the food industry, being remembered as both a baker and a food safety expert. He is lovingly called the “food safety guy” by his friends and family, always striking fear into his loved ones by pointing out expiration dates on milk jugs. Ken is most known for his love for sports, especially his favorite New York teams. He was a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees, a part of the Bills Mafia, and was so adoring of the Buffalo Sabres that he named his dog after them. Nothing could ever come between him and watching the game.

More than sports, Ken was also known for his sarcastic jabs, his Irish good-byes (lovingly called “pulling-a-Ken”), and his never-ending head shake when his wife and daughter started talking about ridiculous things within earshot of him. These gestures and personality traits are what will be missed most. Ken truly was one of a kind.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227, on Thursday, June 11 from 2:00p.m. to 7:00p.m, with a closing prayer at 6:30p.m. Family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society to help fund lung cancer research. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com

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  • June 08, 2026

    Mike

    I'm very sorry to hear kmif Ken's passing. I really liked Ken. He was a smart and funny guy (for a Yankee fan) 🙂 He and I would argue Red Sox and Yankees back in high school. Rest in peace Kenny

  • June 08, 2026

    Donna Mancuso and family

    To Ken's family.....we are part of Ken's Brockport years...the toddler, the schoolboy, the young adult, the college man. We loved him and the twinkle in his eye. Although we lost connection with Ken and his family we feel his loss deeply. May happy memories sustain you. We will remember the good times.

  • June 08, 2026

    Hubert Grunwald

    It is so difficult for a parent to express the sorrow at the loss of a son. We remember Ken as this mischievous boy who grew up to be a loving father and husband. Christina, Emma and Ryan we grieve with you. Hubert and Liane (Opa and Oma)

  • June 08, 2026

    Karen Shields

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin. I remember him well as a little boy when visiting for the holidays. Cancer is an awful disease and sad that it befell on Ken. Prayers and love being sent to the Grunwald family. Karen & Tim Shields (Nolan, Grace, Jack & Ava)

  • June 08, 2026

    Norma Conway

    Sincere condolences Christina, Emma, Ryan, and all of the Grunwald's - we are thinking of you from Ireland at this incredibly difficult time, may Ken Rest in Peace! Norma & Claire Chaney (Conway)

  • June 08, 2026

    Christina Grunwald

    There are so many great memories to choose since 1998. Building a life, growing our family. Surviving the hard times and enjoying the good ones. Watching our children mature into some pretty incredible humans also know as "The girl and The boy". He was so proud of them and loved them dearly. From our days on Avis St in Rochester, our time in Brockport, to our life in Pittsburgh, we've had some amazing adventures! I miss you.

  • June 07, 2026

    Alex Luckert

    I will always remember Uncle Ken as my cool uncle who let me borrow his Journey CDs to bring all the way back to Kentucky just so I could put them on my iPod and, ever since, anytime I would see the Captured album I would always think about how surprised he was that I asked to borrow those at 11 years old (lol). It brings me peace to know he's somewhere out there jamming out right now!

  • June 07, 2026

    Emma Murphy

    When my brother and I were very little, my dad would tell us we had to say "the password" to be freed from being tickled. He made the password "pickle nickle fickle wickle," and my brother and I LOVED it. To this day, we still say the password to each other. When I think of my dad, I think of "pickle nickle fickle wickle" and how precious it was to us... how precious it still is

  • June 07, 2026

    Jack Svecnik

    Ken was truly a "once in a lifetime" person, always knowing the right things to say. Amazingly sharp and proficient in his work, the "Food Safety Guy" was someone that could always be counted upon to ensure great audit results. Condolences to the family, he will be greatly missed.

  • June 07, 2026

    Cynthia Kieffer-Creighton

    Christina, Emma and Ryan my deepest sympathy to your family. Such a nice person gone too soon. Cindy Kieffer-Creighton (Kaylee Pryor grandma from daycare)

  • June 07, 2026

    Julie and Erwin Grunwald

    We adored Ken for his curmudgeonly humor and his kind soul. He was such a spark and we will miss him so much. We're so sorry for your loss and are sending a galaxy of love your way. Julie and Erwin

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