Louis K Kubler

Louis “Lou” K. Kubler, 82, of Belleair Beach, Florida, passed away on October 23, 2025. A proud Marine, dedicated teacher, and passionate public servant, Lou lived a life defined by duty, service, courage, loyalty, and love for his family and community.

Born on September 21, 1943, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Lou was the only child of Louis B. and Norma (Booth) Kubler, both predeceased. At age 13, he moved with his family to St. Petersburg, Florida, the vicinity of which would remain his lifelong home.

Lou served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years, achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and serving in Vietnam. The Marines were not simply a career to Lou—they were part of his identity. The discipline, pride, and camaraderie of the Corps shaped every aspect of his life, and he carried those values with him long after his service ended.

Following his military career, Lou joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Although his time as a full-time deputy was brief, he remained connected to the department for many decades, lending his expertise to special projects and maintaining strong ties within the law enforcement community.

He earned his degree in Business Education from the University of South Florida in 1973 where he was one of the first presidents of the student body on the Bayboro campus. Lou began a second career in education, primarily teaching cooperative education programs (DECA and DCT) at Osceola High School, and later St. Petersburg High School. Through these programs, Lou helped students from his classes gain real-world work experience for high school credits toward the completion their high school education—a role that perfectly blended his love of structure, mentorship, and leadership.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lou’s interests and personality were unmistakable. He was passionate about the Marine Corps, law enforcement, and the equipment and training that supported both. A knowledgeable and avid gun collector, Lou often shared his expertise with fellow officers and enthusiasts. In retirement, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of big game hunting and spent cherished time at his family’s cabin in the mountains of South Carolina.

Lou was deeply engaged in civic life and politics, especially in managing political campaigns of women candidates. He was a member and chair of the St. Petersburg Planning Commission, and had a gubernatorial appointment for the Florida delegation to the Reagan inauguration. Lou was a member of both Leadership St. Petersburg and Leadership Florida. He led the Pinellas County Teachers’ Union from 1979 to 1981. Lou also served as head of security for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in the late 1980s. He served as president of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club in 2000.

Those who knew Lou will remember his fierce protectiveness, his instinct to look out for others, and his constant reminders to stay safe—a reflection of his lifelong sense of duty. He had a soft spot for dogs, a deep hatred of snakes, and an unshakable loyalty to those he cared about.

Lou is survived by his partner of 36 years, Audrey Greenberg; his former wife, Carol Kubler; his sons Louis “Bucky” Kubler (Susan) and Ken “Scott” Kubler (Lisa); grandchildren Kenny Kubler, Amber Kubler, Daniel Kubler (Kayla), and Cherie Kubler; and great-grandchildren Kinleigh Kubler, Alexander Kubler, and Olivia Kubler. Lou is also survived by his bonus family Dave Greenberg, Scott Greenberg, Joyce Liu; bonus grandchildren Nina Greenberg and Nigel Greenberg

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou’s memory may be made to Suncoast Hospice, an organization that provides compassionate care and support to families in need: https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/ways-to-give/.