Obituary of Frank J Kugler Jr.

Frank J. Kugler, Jr.

Frank J. Kugler, Jr. of Darien, Connecticut died after a brief illness on December 30, 2023. Born in Bridgeport on March 26, 1934, Mr. Kugler was the son of Bertha F. Porter and Frank J. Kugler, Sr. Mr. Kugler was raised in Fairfield where he remembered many happy times and made lifelong friends.

He attended Roger Ludlowe High School and graduated from the former Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) in Chester, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later earned a certificate from the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University.

After fulfilling a 3-year obligation to the Army, he started with Fairfield County Trust, later known as Union Trust Company. He spent his entire career in banking with Union Trust and its holding company, Northeast Bancorp. He joked that he got his start as a teller, "rolling coin," ultimately becoming Chairman and CEO in 1987 and serving until his retirement in 1993. Frank felt strongly that good banks were the backbone of good communities, in their facilitation of the needs of individuals, businesses and municipalities. He especially enjoyed his time as a commercial lending officer, where he worked with numerous companies across the state.

Mr. Kugler had a strong sense of civic duty, volunteering countless hours over the decades. Notably, he served as a Trustee of Widener University, a Director and Treasurer of Norwalk Community College, a Director of the Stamford Hospital and Stamford Hospital Foundation, a Director and President of Family and Children's Services, the Stamford Partnership, the Housing Development Fund, and the United Way of Stamford, and a Trustee and President of the Ferguson Library. He served on the boards of an additional 18 non-profit, education and planning boards over a 40-year career.

Frank met his wife, Martha, in Stamford and they married in 1960. They were married for 63 years, residing in Darien for 59 years. He was a devoted father to his son Porter and daughter Molly. In addition to their numerous and wide-ranging travels, Frank and Martha enjoyed an active social life, including membership of Woodway Country Club where he served as President from 1987-88. An avid golfer, Frank scored two holes-in-one on the Woodway course. He was a member of the Jr.-Sr. Golfing Society and the Musketeers. He enjoyed volunteering to help with the CSGA's junior championships held periodically at Woodway. Frank was also a lifelong fan of the New York Giants football and New York Yankees baseball teams.

Mr. Kugler is survived by his wife Martha (Meyer), his son Porter, daughter Molly (Kugler) Dickinson, son-in-law Andrew Dickinson, and grandsons Peter and Benjamin Dickinson, of Middletown Rhode Island. He was predeceased by his sister Sally (Kugler) Nash of Miami Shores, Florida.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwalk Community College Scholarship Fund or Stamford Hospital Foundation.