Richard Carl Kugler

Richard C. Kugler, 76, of Center Valley, passed away on August 15, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Linda J. (White) Kugler. They were married for 43 years last October. Richard taught the fifth grade at Hopewell Elementary for the Southern Lehigh School District until retiring. In his last two years of teaching, he was an instructional support teacher for the district. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Elizabeth J. “Betty” (Bertsch) Kugler. He was a 1972 graduate of Kutztown University. He received his masters degree and principal certificate from Lehigh University. Richard was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Saucon Masonic Lodge #469 in Coopersburg. He recently received his 50-year membership pin from the Lodge. Richard was a member of the Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post #397 in Hellertown. He was an avid golfer, belonged to a golf league and loved to golf at Silver Creek Golf Club and Wedgewood. Richard and his father built his home he currently resides in and loved being out on his property gardening. He was a long-time member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown. Survivors: Wife, Son: Timothy A. Shirk and his wife Laura M. of Center Valley, Granddaughter: Sophia A. Shirk of Center Valley, Nephew: Jonathan Whetstone of Lansdale, Cousins and Nieces and Nephews on Linda’s side of the family. He was preceded in death by a Sister: Joanne Whetstone and a Nephew: Jeremy Whetstone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11 A.M. in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Thomas More Catholic Church 1040 Flexer Ave. Allentown, PA 18103 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105.