Richard Kugler

Richard was a world class opera singer, making his Carnegie Hall debut as Pollione in Norma, and appearing at Alice Tully Hall in La Follia di New York, L’Opera de Montreal as Radames in Aida and Macduff in Macbeth, Opera Pacific as Pinkerton, Florida Grand Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, and Vancouver Opera as Don Jose, Cavaradossi and Turiddu, Pittsburgh Opera and National Grand Opera as Turiddu, Utah Opera as Radames, and was featured soloist at Hollywood Bowl and with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra in Spain, to name just a few. He was a winner of the International Enrico Caruso competition and two-time winner of the Mario Lanza Scholarship Award. He taught at the Actor’s Studio in NYC and later opened his private teaching studio in Hamilton.

Rich was a gifted teacher, a mentor, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle and some thought the tallest man in the world. But he was one thing above all, he was loved and admired by everyone.

Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. Whether it was going on bike rides, walks or just sitting and talking; his family is what he loved most.

Richard is survived by his wife Lydia Kugler, his son Jordan, daughter-in- law Danielle Kugler, daughter Catherine Sopko, grandson Bennett Kugler, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Eleanor Kugler and his brother Jim Kugler.