Robert Phillips Gruber

He was the son of Ruth Harris Gruber and Paul Gruber, both deceased. Born in the Bronx, New York, Robert moved to Raleigh at age four and lived there, except for seven years at Chapel Hill, for the rest of his life. He was a 1961 graduate of Broughton High School, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1965 and his law degree from UNC Law School in 1968.

Robert was a devoted husband to his loving wife and best friend, Glenda Bowers Gruber. They met at Broughton High School — Glenda a junior, Robert a senior — and fell into a romance that lasted more than six decades. They eloped in August 1963 and were formally married in 1964.

Robert is survived by Glenda; his two children, Phil Gruber and Lee Boud (m. Doug Boud); his grandchildren, Max and Sierra Gruber and Sebastian Clark (m. Karuna Das); his sister, Phyllis Gruber Adams, and her husband, Dr. William “Bill” Adams; his nephews, Brian Hill (m Susan), Hunter Adams, Eva Gruber and Stefan Gruber (m Sarah Deropp); and his brother, Carl Gruber. His younger brother, Melvin, passed in 1999. He also has brother in laws Wilson Bowers and Scott Bowers, nieces Kerry Bowers, Lee O’Rourke, and Robin Hicks (m Brian), nephews Glenn Bowers & Michael Bowers.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Robert's primary caregiver, Tammy Cox, for all she did for him and for their family, and to her team — Keekee Cox, Jessica Marlowe, and Naie Wilson— for their devoted care. Thanks also to Dr. Michael Rhees and his team at Raleigh Adult Medicine and to William Ferrell and his team at Raleigh Neurology.

Robert was an accomplished attorney and business leader. He was appointed Executive Director of the North Carolina Public Staff of the Utilities Commission by Governor Jim Hunt and was reappointed by successive governors, both Republican and Democrat, over more than 30 years. He earned wide respect as a firm public advocate who was both practical and solutions-oriented. After retiring, he was asked by the Governor to come out of retirement to help manage Duke

Energy's acquisition of Progress Energy. Robert was awarded the Order of Long Leaf Pine by Governor Pat McCrory in June 2013.

Robert led a balanced life centered on family, golf, charity work, Carolina basketball and his dogs. He served as Board Chair of the Wake County SPCA, was a hospice/ transitions volunteer, and volunteered for Guardian ad Litem.

In his 30s, Robert ran a marathon and was a strong club-level tennis player before discovering his lifelong passion: golf. He was known for always hitting the ball straight down the fairway. His other great passion was UNC Chapel Hill basketball — his last conversation with his son, Phil and granddaughter Sierra, was about the upcoming UNC basketball season.

Robert will be remembered for his valiant fight against Lewy Body Dementia and for how strong his cognitive skills remained until his last day. He recognized everyone he met, loved discussing history, and closely followed the news. He had a constant stream of friends and family and loved engaging in conversation. As long as there was a sport on television, or a movie to watch with his wife and grandchildren, he was happy. Robert never complained about his diagnosis or its effects on his body — he faced it with stoicism, positivity, and toughness.

Robert was very rich in family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wake County SPCA, your favorite pet shelter or Transitions of Wake County.