A Mass of Christian Burial for Brother Edward Grinder, OSB, took place July 15 at St. Andrew Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, OSB as the celebrant.
Brother Grinder, 80, died on July 9.
A native of Akron, Brother Grinder was born Dec. 8, 1944 to the late Edward and Geraldine (McGuickin) Grinder. In addition to his parents, Brother Grinder was predeceased by a sister, Mary Beth Grinder.
He attended St. Paul School in Akron and was a 1962 graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School, also in Akron. Brother Grinder received a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Vincent College in 1966, and he earned a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vincent Seminary in 1973. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in economics from Kent State University in 1975, and completed additional graduate studies at Boston College. In addition, he received a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance from the University of Pittsburgh in 1995.
Brother Grinder entered the novitiate of the Benedictine community of St. Andrew Archabbey in 1969. He made his simple profession of vows on July 10, 1970, and professed his solemn vows on July 10, 1973. He was ordained a deacon on May 30, 1974 by the late Greensburg, Pennsylvania Bishop William Connare in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg.
Brother Grinder primarily served the archabbey in its educational apostolates. He was director of forensics at St. Vincent Preparatory School. At St. Vincent College, he was a dormitory moderator, an instructor in economics, served as director of activities and scheduling, was an assistant professor of economics, served as director of debate during which the college team participated in numerous national collegiate debate tournaments, was a founding member of the American Debate Association, was a member of the President’s Council and he was served as the college’s Economics Department chairman.
In addition, he was director of St. Vincent Cemetery in Latrobe and was the benefits manager and plans administrator for the Abbey Health Care Programs.
He also served the local community in many capacities.
Brother Grinder was buried in St. Vincent Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Benedictine Health and Welfare Fund, St, Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-2690.