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Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesGovernor Expresses Condolences Upon Death of Peter Gruber

Governor Expresses Condolences Upon Death of Peter Gruber

Governor John P. deJongh Jr. said today he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of his friend and long-time Virgin Islands resident Peter Gruber. "Cecile and I are saddened by the news of Peter’s passing. He was an incredible individual, recognized internationally for his philanthropic commitment to making the world a better place. His strong attachment to the Virgin Islands was well-known by his friends and associates, and was manifested in support for programs for local children. We extend our deepest sympathies to Peter’s wife Patricia, his children Ron and Vicki and their families, and his many friends and admirers throughout the world. Peter Gruber will be missed," stated the Governor.
Mr. Gruber was born in Hungary, educated in India and Australia, and then immigrated to the United States as a young man. He worked in New York City’s financial district, before starting his own business endeavors. He was considered a pioneer in asset management. Mr. Gruber moved to the Virgin Islands in 1995, where he founded and operated Globalvest Management for 12 years. A second company, GFS, operated for another two years but then closed due to Mr. Gruber’s health.
The family’s financial success led to the formation of the non-profit Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation in 1993. The foundation was established to honor educational excellence, social justice and scientific achievements, and was well-known for its International Prize Program. In 2011, the Gruber Foundation at Yale University succeeded the original organization, and continues the couple’s work with the Gruber Prizes and the Young Scientists Awards; the Gruber Science Fellowship Program at Yale; and the Gruber Program for Global Justice and Women’s Rights at Yale Law School. In March of 2014 the presentation of the Gruber Award for Scientific Excellence was held on St. Thomas.
The Grubers also maintain an endowment at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel through which they provide a fellowship to a promising young scientist.
Mr. and Mrs. Gruber have been major supporters of many Virgin Islands’ non-profit organizations with focus on educational and cultural programs, and alternative activities for young people. They established the Laws of Life essay competition for high school students which annually emphasizes values and ethics. They also funded scholarships at Antilles School. A few years back, the couple became more deeply involved with the Virgin Islands Montessori School on St. Thomas, with the result that the upper school is now named the Peter Gruber International Academy.
"Peter Gruber was warm, engaging, fiercely intelligent, and most of all generous. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather; a savvy businessman; and a strong proponent of providing opportunities to all. His gifts to the world will long be remembered," Governor de Jongh reminisced.

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