by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Longtime Western New York Standardbred owner and trainer Robert Gruber III, 52, of Lakeview, N.Y., died March 31, 2018, after suffering a medical emergency during an on-track training session.

Steve Roth photo

Robert Gruber III died March 31, 2018.

Mr. Gruber started his training career in 1991. During his 27-year career, his horses made 9,220 starts and won 1,235, making more than $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; father of Robert IV; and brother of David, Karen, Kim and Denise.

Visiting hours for Mr. Gruber will be Sunday (April 8) from 1-4 p.m. at the Lombardo Funeral Home (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd. near Lake Ave. in Orchard Park, N.Y. Funeral services will follow immediately with interment in the Marilla Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.