by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
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.
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 to 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
