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Walter W. Grunder | Peco mechanic, 61

Walter W. Grunder, 61, of Limerick, an Eagle Scout and former mechanic for Peco Energy Co., died April 22 at home after a 26-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Ellen R. Medkeff
Ellen R. MedkeffRead more

Walter W. Grunder, 61, of Limerick, an Eagle Scout and former mechanic for Peco Energy Co., died April 22 at home after a 26-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Mr. Grunder graduated from Harriton High School in Rosemont and then went to work for Peco. At 35 he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and at 45 he retired on disability.

He went from using a cane to a walker, and then to a wheelchair, said his wife, Penny Moister Grunder. For the last eight years, he had been bedridden. "He was a joy to take care of," she said. "He had a wonderful spirit and never asked 'why me?' " He enjoyed history documentaries and visits from friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Grunder became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and was later a scoutmaster for Troop 530 in Collegeville. For four years he was a roundtable commissioner with the Valley Forge Council, Boy Scouts of America. He had been a youth group leader, head acolyte, lay reader, and chalice bearer at St. James Episcopal Church in Evansburg.

He was a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, Mr. Grunder is survived by two sons, Walter Jr. and Andrew; a daughter, Rachel Harris; a sister; and five grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. today at Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main St., Trappe. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Coventryville Methodist Church Cemetery.