Memorial fund pays tribute to late Hull music teacher Robert Ziegner

In the weeks since retired Hull Public Schools music teacher and band director Robert Ziegner died at age 92, former students and colleagues have launched a memorial fund to pay tribute to Mr. Ziegner and assist current students.

According to Hull High School alumnus Stu Turgel, who had stayed in contact with his former teacher, Mr. Ziegner died on Aug. 24, 2023 at a hospital near his home in Las Vegas following an onset of COVID19 earlier in the month.

“Bob was an extraordinary music teacher and led the band at Hull High School with great accomplishment and achievement,” Turgel wrote in tribute. “But as great a teacher as he was, he was an even finer man. He left an indelible mark on every student he taught, regardless of their musical proficiency.”

Turgel said he spoke with current Hull High music teacher Ian Barkon, and the school department has approved the creation of the Robert Ziegner Memorial Fund. Donations will be used for scholarships, the purchase of musical instruments and equipment, or other financial needs of the Hull High School Band, Turgel said. Funds also may assist students in financial need with music lessons and other support to help develop young musicians.

“The outpouring of tributes and expressions of sympathy for Bob Ziegner has been extraordinary,” Turgel said. “I hope those who knew and admired Bob, or just knew about his decades of devoted service to Hull High School and the Town of Hull, will consider making a generous donation to honor Bob’s legacy as a band leader, music teacher, and mentor extraordinaire.”

Donations payable to Hull High School (note Robert Ziegner Memorial Fund in the memo line of the check) can be sent Hull High School, Attn: Ian Barkon, 180 Main St, Hull, MA 02045.

Services for Mr. Ziegner have not been announced, but messages of condolence and support may be sent to Mr. Ziegner’s family in care of his wife: Julie Ziegner, 20 Bon Rea Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89110.