Bruce Stephen Kugler

Bruce Stephen Kugler, 63, passed away at home after a lengthy illness with his wife, Janet, and his son, Ian, by his side. He is the son of Norma (Wanner Hoyer) and the late Richard Hoyer, brother of Walt, Ken, Rich (Hoyer), and Helen (Reilly), grandfather of Serenity and Alexandria, father-in-law of Cherie, stepfather of JD, Amanda (and Chris), Caleb (and Tiff), Emma (wife of James Pascavage), and Sadie (and Jared), step-grandfather of JD, Lola, and Lilly, grandfather-in-law of Noah, Jack, and Connor, son-in-law to James and Shirley Metz, brother-in-law of JD (Fay), Ron (Carol), and Stacey (James Sholly), along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was an amazing bassist, “sound guy,” and singer who loved “making noise” jamming with his friends and going to concerts. Music was always his first love. He was a fan of local musicians and, until his illness relegated him to home, he made every attempt to support his peers in when they played at local venues. He was especially proud of his son’s music/bands, who shared his father’s love of music. Bruce and his wife worked together as a team to provide sound and lights for bands. He often volunteered his time, talent, and equipment for festivals and fundraisers. He was the bassist for numerous bands including, but not limited to, Victory in Heaven, Rex Havoc, DysFunKtion JunKtion, Faithful Pig, The Kind, and until his health declined, was the proud soundman for an all-female rock band based out of the Lehigh Valley, Girl Crue. Bruce always said he owed a lot of gratitude to his dear friend and mentor Chris DeMas for trusting in his abilities and helping him work through sound equipment issues. He has enjoyed many hobbies and looked forward to doing a variety of activities throughout his life to include: hunting, fishing, going to the beach, camping, cooking, grilling, anything related to aviation including drone flying, photography, welding, building speakers and constructing other intricate sound equipment, eating seafood, and participating in competitive gun shoots. He could name numerous types of birds and was in awe of majestic eagles whether perched or in flight. He was like a kid when he saw a hot air balloon. He loved dogs and listening to music – all types, but especially the blues. Bruce appreciated nature. He loved seeing beautiful sunrises, sunsets, cloud formations, clear moonlit nights, and seeing the fall leaves in full color array. He couldn’t wait until the bare winter trees blossomed back to life in the spring. He hated cold weather. Bruce has been reunited with many of his most beloved friends, fellow musicians, and famous performers that he idolized (Stevie Ray Vaughn) and he is now “making noise” jamming with them. As the Righteous Brothers sang, if there’s a rock and roll heaven – you know they’ve got a hell of a band. An informal memorial service will be planned at the family’s convenience.