John "Jason" Gruitza, 43, Hermitage, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2018 at home. Jason was born June 25, 1974, the son of John Gruitza, Hermitage, PA and Cheryl Ross Barillare, Columbiana, OH.

Jason was a graduate of Kennedy Christian High School and Youngstown State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. He was previously employed at Alcoa, Valley Plumbing Inc., Wallace Pancher Group and with his father at John N. Gruitza Associates.

Jason was an incredibly kind and caring person with a huge, giving heart and a smile that lit up a room. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was extremely proud of his Romanian heritage. He was an avid sports fan and most enjoyed watching Ohio State football and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He was extremely passionate about music and loved playing the guitar. He was rarely seen without a Pens jersey on or a t-shirt representing one of his favorite bands. Jason grew up enjoying skateboarding, snowboarding, and riding BMX. He had a strong connection to the ocean and loved surfing with his friends and family in places such as North Carolina and Eleuthera, Bahamas.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Aurelia Gruitza and Lloyd and Eleanor Ross. He is survived by his wife, Jessa; father, John Gruitza, Hermitage, PA; mother, Cheryl Barillare, Columbiana, OH; sister, Leah Gruitza, Asheville, NC; sister, Stacia Gruitza, Sharpsville, PA; and niece, Elleana Danilovics. He also leaves behind former wife and friend, Colleen George, Hermitage, PA; step-father, Bill Barillare, Columbiana, OH; his father's fiancé, Rosanne Smithyman, Hermitage, PA; step-siblings, Jody (Erin) Barillare, Wilmington, DE; Shannon (John) Monroe, Canfield, OH; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, PA at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 22 nd . The family will receive guests in the gathering area of the church after Mass. Memorial contributions can be made online in his honor to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society which is a non-profit organization responsible for marine wildlife conservation (seashepherd.org).

Memory eternal dear brother.