Gene A. Gruber, 88, formerly of Lakewood, NY, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at his home in Erie, PA. He was born July 2, 1937 in Jamestown, a son of the late Arvid and Genevieve Firth Gruber.

Following his retirement from Marlin Rockwell, Gene took great pride in driving area veterans to their appointments for over 10 years through CARTS, the Chautauqua Area Regional Transportation System. He also carried on the legacy of the family maple syrup business in Lander, PA for several years.

An avid golfer, he was a member of South Hills Golf Club. He also enjoyed baseball and football and rarely missed a Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers or Buffalo Bills game on TV. Attending games in person with his family brought him great delight. Gene also carried on the family card playing tradition and was known as a card shark.

Surviving are five children: Karen (Tom) Cochran, Kim (Randy) Root, Julie (Chris) Duncan, Jeremy (Michele) Gruber, and Kyle (Francesca) Gruber; five grandchildren: Jered Carson, Katherine Pierson, Mary Duncan, Ryan Duncan, and Genevieve Gruber "Gigi"; and two great grandchildren.

Gene is also survived by his companion, Elaine Veahman, and a brother, David Gruber and sister, Joyce Henning.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Lamb Gruber; son Douglas Gruber and daughter, Debbie Carlson; brother, James Firth Gruber; and an infant sister.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 22nd in the Lind Funeral Home. A service of family sharing and special music will begin at 2 p.m. with burial following in Lander, PA.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.