Amherst, MA – Richard “Dick” Kofler was born July 4, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ernst and Dorothy Kofler. He passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2026, at the age of 90. He leaves behind a legacy defined not only by intellect and achievement, but far more by kindness, humility, and deep, unwavering love for others.
Dick shared a devoted 66-year marriage with his high school sweetheart, Rosemary (Lutz) Kofler, with whom he built a life rich in family, friendship, and simple joys. He cherished his roles as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was generous, patient, and quietly loving-a man whose steady presence made others feel valued and cared for. His frequent and heartfelt “I love you” was a constant gift to those around him.
Dick’s joy and love of the outdoors took the family out hiking, climbing mountains, canoeing, skiing and traveling. Family picnics were frequent, and neighbors have fond memories of his annual backyard picnics on his July 4th birthday. He had an appreciation for life’s small pleasures such as time with loved ones, chocolate, ice cream, cappuccinos, and the UMass marching band.
From early in life Dick’s curiosity and fascination with ‘how things worked’ was evident. At the age of 10 he went to the library to read about careers and soon knew that he wanted to be a physicist. The first in his extended family to go to college, Dick attended Marquette University as an undergraduate, then the University of Wisconsin where he earned his PhD. In 1965, he joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts where he spent his career.
Dick’s field of research was in elementary particle physics. In 1973 he collaborated with physicists from around the world at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. That beautiful country then became a place for regular vacations. In 1979 Dick joined a project at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, leading to 20 years of bi-coastal living between the Bay Area and Amherst. His love for the Bay Area never diminished, and San Francisco-what he called “paradise”-held a special place in his heart.
Dick enjoyed his research, yet teaching was his greatest professional joy. Dick loved his students and took genuine pleasure in encouraging young minds. In 1969, Dick was honored with a Teacher of the Year Award. He was a beloved professor and some of his students became life-long friends. The class of 1976-77 set up a scholarship fund in his name and honored him thirty years later with a class reunion. Comments from students included “His influence on me was profound” and “I left his class with a passion for learning”.
Activities during retirement years included extensive travel plus civic duties. He conducted Energy Studies for the Amherst League of Women Voters, was a Board member of the Amherst LWV, Amherst Council on Aging, Jackson Court in SF, and Board President of the Upper Orchard Condo Association.
Dick was a man of integrity, strong moral character and unconditional love. He never spoke unkindly of others, and his kind, thoughtful demeanor earned him deep respect and affection by all who knew him.
Dick is survived by wife Rosemary; children Jennifer, Jonathan, Michelle and partner Jon; grandchildren Jonathan and Kristofer; great grandchildren Parker, Silas, and Elena; sister Barbara; brother Glen.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made to the “Professor Richard Kofler Class of 1976–1977 Fund” at https://bit.ly/UMassKofler. Or you may mail a check payable to the UMass Amherst Foundation (with “Kofler Fund” in the memo line) to: UMass Amherst Foundation, Records and Gift Processing, 134 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9270. Or to Hospice of the Fisher Home 1165 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01002
Online obituary found at www.douglassfuneral.com
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