Phillip L. Kumler

Mark and Melissa, were by his side. Dr. Kumler was born May 23, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio to Joseph E. Kumler and Leah (Keel) Kumler, the second of two sons. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Edward, and infant daughter, Kirsten.

Philip attended St. Charles Borromeo High School in Columbus, and received his B.A. in Chemistry from Miami University, and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Rochester. He held postdoctoral research appointments at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and the University of Chicago. His first teaching position was at Saginaw Valley State College from 1970-1976. He then joined the Chemistry faculty at State University of New York at Fredonia as Associate Professor and Chair of the department (1976-1983). He was promoted to Full Professor in 1980 and retired in 2006 as Professor Emeritus. During his teaching career, he received the Franc A. Landee Award for Excellence in Teaching (Saginaw Valley), and the SUNY Excellence in Teaching Award in 1986. In 2006, he received the Chancellor's Award for Research and Scholarship from SUNY. He also held several appointments as Visiting Scientist at Midland Macromolecular Institute in Midland, MI, and was a Visiting Professor at both the University of Washington and Seattle University.

Phil's love of his students was only matched by theirs. In October 2014, he was honored with the naming of the Kumler Spectroscopic Instrument Room at the new science center on the Fredonia campus, funded by several of his previous students. A scholarship fund has also been established in his name (The Senior Seminar Award).

Many people did not know Phil for the kindnesses he showed to those less fortunate. His volunteer activities were many and varied including serving as treasurer of the SUNY day care center; volunteer at the Collins Correctional Visitors Center; Meals on Wheels deliverer; WCA Home volunteer, treasurer of the Darwin Barker library; LVA mentor; and Treasurer, Vice President, and then President of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club. He was always there when needed and in apprecia-tion, especially for his diligent work with the Lions Club, he received the Service to Humanity Award from the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

Phil is survived by his loving wife and partner Rosemary (Bailen) Kumler and children Mark (Brigid), of Redlands, California and daughter Melissa (Joseph) Schweitzer of Annapolis, MD. His grandchildren include Benjamin, William, and Margaret of Redlands, and Bella and "JoJo" Schweitzer of Annapolis, who miss their 'Pop' dearly. Phil and Rosemary "Bunny" spent 21 fun-filled years together, marrying in Seattle, Washington on July 2, 1999, with their children present. Many adventures, some sorrowful, followed, but their love never wavered and their journey came to an end in the town they loved only second to Fredonia, New Smyrna Beach. Dr. Kumler, Phil, "he fought the good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith..."

A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 3 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, in New Smyrna Beach. A memorial service will be held this fall in Fredonia, date to follow.