Shirley Gruca Antal

ROCKY MOUNT – Shirley Gruca Antal, age 81, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026.  Born in Windber, PA on March 5, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Walter Henry Gruca and Anna Babula Gruca.

Shirley was a woman of quiet strength, sharp intellect, and a deeply compassionate heart. Throughout her professional life, she was known for her exceptional organizational skills, dedication, and professionalism. She served as a Service Secretary at Graphics Systems 3M, an Executive Secretary at the M. O’Neil Company, and later as an Executive Secretary at the University of Akron, where her reliability and attention to detail were greatly valued.

An entrepreneur at heart, Shirley went on to establish her own business editing doctoral students’ thesis statements, offering guidance, precision, and encouragement to countless scholars as they worked toward achieving their academic goals. Her love of learning and commitment to helping others succeed were evident in all she did.

Beyond her career, Shirley had an extraordinary love for animals. She never turned away a stray and often opened her home and heart to animals rescued from shelters, giving them safety, comfort, and unconditional love.

Shirley was a long-time member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where her faith provided strength and purpose throughout her life. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched many, and she will be remembered for her willingness to serve both people and animals alike.

Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of compassion, dedication, and quiet service will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Joseph Thomas Antal; her daughter, Connie Sue Burns, and husband Rick; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Robert Gruca, and wife Connie, and Edward Gruca, and wife Marge.

The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 7 PM – 9 PM in the Parlor of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Shirley’s memory to Humane Society 3520 Tupper Drive Greenville, NC 27834, or info@hsecarolina.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.