LYNN TWP., Pa. - Family men. Hard workers. Devoted dads.
Obituaries for the two volunteer firefighters who died last week battling a house fire were released Thursday as part of a website devoted to the men and their funeral arrangements.
Marvin Gruber, 59, and Zachary Paris, 36, belonged to Community Fire Co. of New Tripoli.
They were among scores of firefighters called to a house fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, on Dec. 7. Authorities said they were trapped in the blaze and eventually pulled from the burning building.
Both were pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital - Miner's Campus in Coaldale. Police investigating the fire have labeled it suspicious.
Public and private viewings, as well as a private funeral service that will be livestreamed, are set for Saturday at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School in New Tripoli.
The website, organized by Frederick County, Md., contains obituaries and several photos of Paris and Gruber with their families.
Paris was first assistant chief for Community Fire Co. but worked full-time as a career firefighter in Frederick County, Md.
Gruber volunteered with Community Fire Company since 2020 and worked as assistant director of public safety at Northampton Community College.
Paris grew up in Berks County and was a devoted dad to his two girls, according to his obituary. He loved to take his daughters fishing and had a passion for restoring classic cars.
Gruber grew up on his family-run dairy farm in New Tripoli and was a fixture in the community, according to his obituary. He was described as a loving Pop-Pop to his three grandchildren and took them on their first trip to Disney World last year.
His son, Nick Gruber, is Community Fire Company's deputy chief.
Marvin Gruber also was assistant chief of Northwestern Ambulance Corps and served as a deacon at Ebenezer U.C.C. Church in New Tripoli.
The Paris family requests memorial contributions in Zach's name be made to the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, 7242 Decatur St., New Tripoli, PA 18066.
The Gruber family requests memorial contributions in Marvin's name be made to Ebenezer U.C.C. Church or Community Fire Company of New Tripoli. Contributions to either can be sent to the same address: 7242 Decatur St., New Tripoli, PA 18066.
Funeral arrangements are by the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home of New Tripoli.
