Born March 16, 1945
Winooski, Vermont
Died Aug. 21, 2025
Colchester, Vermont
Details of services
A private celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at his home on Lake Champlain.
Dr. Mark Eric Kruger, 80, of Beach Road in Colchester, passed peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, August 21, 2025, at McClure Miller Respite Home, following a long and courageous journey with health challenges.
Born on March 16, 1945, in Winooski, Vermont, he was the son of Karl and Claire (Gravel) Kruger. He graduated from Rice Memorial High School in 1963 and went on to live a life marked by service, scholarship, and devotion to family.
From 1968–1971, Eric proudly served his country as a Navigator in the United States Navy aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. Following his service, he pursued his passion for education, earning a master’s degree in Special Education from Columbia University and later an Ed.D. in Special Education from Lehigh University.
Eric began his career as a special education teacher, where his compassion and commitment touched the lives of countless students. He later became a professor of Special Education at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he mentored future educators with the same dedication that defined his life’s work. Upon retirement, he returned to Vermont and cherished his days on Lake Champlain, where he found peace in the slower rhythm of the water and the company of those he loved.
A highlight of his academic career came when he was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which brought him to India as a Fulbright Professor. There, he shared his expertise in special education, helping to strengthen programs and support for children with disabilities, leaving a lasting impact that extended far beyond his home country.
He is survived by his children Kristin and her wife Luanne, Michael and his wife Stephanie, and Julie and her husband Henry; his beloved grandchildren Charlotte, Owen, and Gavin; his brothers Karl (Chip) and wife Anne, Steve and wife Carol, and Mike and wife Lynne; his sisters Kathy (Foff) and Anne and husband Dave, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Monica and eldest son Stephen. He is also survived by his loving companion, Pat, with whom he shared several meaningful years.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Council for Exceptional Children in honor of Dr. Mark Eric Kruger, whose life’s work was dedicated to ensuring every child received the education they deserved. Donate by clicking here or visiting this website: https://exceptionalchildren.donorsupport.co/page/donate.
