Edwin L. “Ed” Kugler passed away at the age of 79 Thursday, January 9, 2025, in San Jose, Costa Rica. He was born May 26, 1945, in Washington, DC, to the late Charles Wesley Kugler and Margaret Catherine Koerner Kugler.
Ed brought a world of joy and brilliance to everyone around him.
Ed’s life was one filled with love and accomplishment.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Claudia Ann Marks Kugler; their sons, Scott Lee Kugler of Torrance, Calif., and David Andrew Kugler (Lilly) of Lake Forest, Calif.; their cherished grandchildren, Kathleen, Sarah, Jack, Liam, and Owen Kugler; his sister, Joanne Kugler Hammond (Mark) of Chambersburg, Pa.; and was a father figure to Martin Roth of Berlin, Germany. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he delighted in every moment he spent with them.
Ed received his B.S. in Chemistry from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., in 1967, and went on to achieve a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., in 1975. His academic prowess was matched only by his passion for sharing knowledge, a dedication that earned him the prestigious Roseman Award for teaching during his time at JHU.
Throughout his remarkable career, Ed was a tireless advocate for scientific progression and international collaboration. His work as an NFS Fellow in the USA-USSR Exchange Program in Chemical Catalysis took him to the Soviet Institute of Catalysis in Novosibirsk, Siberia. He also served as a Research Associate and NSF Fellow in the USA-USSR Exchange Program in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University, an experience that underlined his global outlook and commitment to advancing his field.
An elected member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society of North America since 1975, Ed’s contributions to science were recognized by numerous awards, including the ACS Award for Outstanding Performance by Division in 1985. He chaired the prestigious Gordon Research Conference on Catalysis and harnessed his innovative spirit to secure eight United States patents. His written works and presentations enriched the scientific community worldwide, but it was perhaps as a professor of Chemical Engineering at West Virginia University for 25 years, where Ed made his most personal impact. The students whose lives he shaped still remember him fondly, a testament to his role as an outstanding teacher – a title formally recognized by the university.
Yet, Ed’s zest for life extended far beyond the classroom and the laboratory. Together with his beloved wife, Claudia, he experienced the joys of soulful companionship. A master of the grill, he loved cooking and was constantly in pursuit of new culinary experiences, especially during his expansive travels across the world. He actively participated in seven Work and Witness mission trips, co-leading six and fostering a deep connection with the people of San Jose, Costa Rica.
As a father, Ed instilled in his sons the values of the Boy Scouts of America, supporting their troops and sharing in their personal development. His pursuit of excellence even flowed into his hobbies; as an excellent “Bridger,” he reveled in the intellectual sport of Duplicate Bridge.
Ed Kugler will be remembered as a man who fused the ability to think deeply with the ability to live fully. His adventurous spirit, infectious humor, kindness, and loving nature left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His Aunt Rose would joke that he and his father were from “the silly side of the family,” but it was this endearing blend of brilliance and playfulness that truly defined Ed. He will be deeply missed by many, yet the stories of his life’s adventures and accomplishments will continue to inspire and bring joy, just as his presence once did.
Family and friends are invited to gather in McCulla Funeral Home Saturday, January 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. Visitation will continue Sunday, January 19, from noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service, with Pastors Jim Stinespring and Kevin Cain officiating. Following the service, Ed will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com.
In lieu of flowers, Ed and the family would appreciate a charitable donation be made to The Source Foundation, feeding Morgantown children and cultivating the local community, at https://www.thesourcewv.org/partner-with-us
