Oh Billy…One had to be strong to keep up with you.  😉

my heartfelt condolences all these years later. Billy was a friend of mine for many of the years I worked in Mandeville. First, at Don's. Then when he opened Mande's with Scott and Frank. I learned a lot about cooking from him. And some of those crazy closing nights at Mande's. I remember him going on to opening Riverview Restaurant, then getting in a car accident and having to get his jaw wired shut. Billy was a great friend to all. He will be truly missed. I am so sorry I didn't know this earlier as left the area in 1991.

Although not mentioned in the obituary, Billy was partners with my stepfather Ralph(Cabby)Caballero in the 1980's. From there Billy went on to be the head chef for my father,  Daniel Ricca, at Daniel's Deli and Grocery on Decatur St.  From there Billy went next door to the Palm Court Jazz Café.  Billy was a very close friend to our family.  He will be missed.

Shane Ricca

A great loss of a dear friend and outstanding chef.
He will be sorely missed and long remembered.

A sad day indeed.  I had the pleasure of getting to know Billy while he was building Mande's.  He and Scott Zeldon were part of a memorable cast of characters that hung out at Don's bar.  At least I think it was Billy.  Could've been Ronnie Virgets, though.  We lost a good one this time.

Long time good friend. Great chef. R.I.P.

He was the first person to greet me at my wedding reception and he was so happy. I would like to think that he is smiling down on all of us now.

My sincerest condolences go out to the family of Billy Gruber.  I was in my first year at St. Paul's in 1963, but remember Billy well.  R.I.P. Billy Gruber

Billy and I met when we were 15 and have been friends ever since.  He will be truly missed, leaving a hole in our lives. Karl & Judy Gorbert

Billy and I met at St. Paul's and we were varsity football teamates.  Billy, I and George Nordgren hung together and we spent time with Billy at his lakefront home sometime playing music too loud for Billy's parents.  Billy treated me and friends at their meal a minit spots for burgers, malts and bowling.  We reconnected at Liauzza's and enjoyed Fr. Qtr. outings together.  YOU will be missed Billy.

I enjoyed working with Billy as an R&D Food Technologist and regret that he didn't get the opportunity to see his Oysters Rockefeller project that he had been so passionate about come to fruition.  His enthusiasm was contagious. He always had a positive outlook on everything that he involved himself with.  Truly a unique man, he will be greatly missed.

Billy and I stayed  friends over the years. I am certain he will be missed by so many, as well as by a city that loved him.

In 1964, I first met Billy on the football field at city park stadium. He played for St. Paul and I played for Redemptorist. It was a pretty even game but all game long, I had somebody banging me awfully hard. When the game was over I searched out that numbered jersey, it was Billy. I told him he had a good game. He never forgot that moment and neither did I. Rest in peace brother.     Frank Bordelon

" May the peace of GOD be with you now and forever  as you go through this difficult time PSALMS 72:7

I became friends with Billy in the 2nd grade. We were in the same class until I left Saint Pius X to go to Jesuit in the 8th grade. From the beginning, he was always fun to be with. All my life he always seemed to be around. He went to De La Salle, Ridgewood, and St. Paul's, and I think that was in just the first month of High School.  I will always remember his joking about his hasty departure from both schools. He blamed nobody but himself. We all got a little out of control on occasion, and sometimes paid the price. The details in the stories are all still pretty funny. I remember, toward the end of High School, occasionally on Sunday evening, giving Billy a ride to the South end of the Causeway so he could hitchhike back to Saint Paul's. I always had a good time with Billy, and, over the years,  it was great to follow his success in the restaurant business. I'll definitely miss him.                                                                                                   James "Owl" Brodtmann

Billy and my husband Cabby were partners in the Riverview restaurant in Covington years ago. He was  such a nice person and I called him many times for his recipes especially his New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe, it was the best. He was a special person, and will be missed, our prayers to his family. Barbara and Cabby Caballero

Always a smile for me, always a laugh or two, no more left handers remain. 
This ain't rain on my cheeks as a slow hand salute is raised for you.
"Rosie" Rosato
B229th AHB, 1st Air Cav, RVN

Billy and I were good friends sense the 5th grade we spoke weekly over the last few years   he will be missed      Pat Morrow

OBITUARY

William Joseph Gruber Jr.

March 8, 1946 – February 4, 2016

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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