Eastchester community rallies around beloved teacher after bicycle crash
Ed Gruber, 57, spent more than 30 years teaching physics, primarily at Eastchester High School. Although he officially retired in 2024, Gruber continued working as a building-level substitute and has remained active in the community.
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An Eastchester community is rallying around a longtime educator who was seriously injured in a bicycle crash last month.
Ed Gruber, 57, spent more than 30 years teaching physics, primarily at Eastchester High School. Although he officially retired in 2024, Gruber continued working as a building-level substitute and has remained active in the community.
Family members describe Gruber as someone who devoted his life to helping others. In addition to teaching, he served as a Scoutmaster, mentored new teachers, advised the school's ski club and held several roles within the Eastchester Teachers Association.
"He's just kind of expanded himself to reach out and touch every community that he's part of," said Gruber's son, Edward.
According to his family, Gruber was riding his bicycle home from City Island on July 24 when he was struck by a vehicle. He has not woken up since the crash and is currently receiving long-term care. His wife said the family remains hopeful as he continues his recovery.
"His brain is still swollen and it could take months before that swelling reduces," said Gruber's wife, Irene. "We hold on to every little thing, every little hope, every little wiggle of his foot, you know, we'll take it."
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe campaign launched by one of Gruber's colleagues has raised more than $100,000 in just a few days, reflecting the impact he has had on students, coworkers and the wider community.
"He would be so grateful, so appreciative, he would probably cry," said Irene.
Gruber's daughter, Nicole, shared that her dad is like Newton's First Law: a body in motion stays in motion. She says that he's never stopped and that's why he's still here fighting.
Gruber's colleagues all shared stories about the type of person he is.
"This man is just built to care for people and he knows no other way to live," said Zack Berbit.
"He has a real zest for life," said Shane O'Connor.
"He just accepts everybody, and you know, really loves every moment of life. And I think that's part of what makes this so heartbreaking," said Bryan Johnson.
The Eastchester Union Free School District issued a statement that reads in part: "His passion for education and infectious spirit have served as an inspiration for countless colleagues and students throughout his time in Eastchester, and the outpouring of support and concern from the Eastchester community is a testament to the impact he has had on the lives of those around him."
The Eastchester Teacher Association also shared: "Ed has served the Eastchester Teachers Association in many capacities over the years, including as a head building rep and as our political action chair. We are absolutely heartbroken and look to do everything we can to help him and his family through these devastating circumstances."
As Gruber's family navigates the road ahead, they are asking the community to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
