HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Longtime Western New York standardbred owner and trainer Robert Gruber III of Lakeview, N.Y., passed away on Saturday, March 31 after suffering a medical emergency during an on-track training session.

Robert Gruber III

 

Mr. Gruber, 52, started his training career in 1991. During his 27-year career, his horses made 9,220 starts and won 1,235, making over $4.8 million in purse earnings. His best campaign was in 2009 where he found the winner's circle 130 times, collecting more than $565,000.

 

Racing throughout the Northeast, Mr. Gruber's operation was based in Western New York. His stable made many of their starts on the Buffalo Raceway/Batavia Downs circuit.

 

He was the husband of Carol Gruber, father of Robert Gruber IV, brother of David, Karen, Kim and Denise. Visiting hours for Mr. Gruber will be Sunday, April 8 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Lombardo Funeral Home (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Road near Lake Avenue in Orchard Park, N.Y. Funeral services will follow immediately with interment in the Marilla Cemetery.

 

On-line condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com