Karl M. Ebert

Karl M. Ebert, Ph.D. (78), of Millbury, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 23, 2026 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born on May 5, 1948 in Ballston Spa, New York, the son of Nicholas K. Ebert and Vivian M. Ebert, both of whom predeceased him.

Karl was a quiet, thoughtful man with a dry sense of humor and unwavering focus. In his younger years he enjoyed baseball, basketball, hunting with his father, and fishing. Throughout adulthood he competed in local dart and pool leagues, and played horseshoes, cards and countless games of pool with family and friends. All three of his children became accomplished pool players thanks to the family pool tables in Millbury and at the family gathering place in Carver, MA. Karl was affectionately known as “the cutting fool,” and few things brought family and friends together more than watching him at the pool table.

Karl’s dedication to scientific research was unwavering, and he rarely took time away from his work. His pioneering efforts in reproductive and developmental biology helped produce the world’s first transgenic goat, a milestone that transformed biotechnology and laid the foundation for producing medicines through transgenic animals. Dr. Ebert was highly respected within the scientific community for his work with goats, pigs, mice and other species during the formative years of transgenic research. Researchers and biotechnology companies throughout the United States and abroad sought his guidance as a consultant and collaborator. The technologies he helped develop ultimately contributed to medicines that have benefited patients around the world and continue to influence biotechnology today.

After leaving Tufts University due to disabling chemical sensitivity, Karl became an officer and scientific advisor in TranXenoGen (Shrewsbury, MA) with founders, Paul DiTullio and Steve Parkinson to pioneer transgenic chickens. However, early retirement became necessary; Karl faced serious physical issues daily without complaint, choosing to “work through” difficult moments with determination and extraordinary strength.

For 50 years Karl shared a devoted partnership with his wife, Jennifer. Together they built a life centered on family, perseverance, and a shared love of their homes in Millbury and Carver, where many of their happiest memories were made. Despite his demanding career, Karl took great pride in watching his children grow and later found immense joy in becoming “Poppy” to his grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Logan Ebert, and loving children: Michael A. Ebert of Ballston Spa, NY, Noelle E. Adamsson (Simon) of Shrewsbury, MA, and John T. Ebert (Rocio) of Danville, CA. As “Poppy”, he adored his three grandchildren: Rhyan L. Enno, Lukas J. Ebert and Camila B. Ebert. He is also survived by his two sisters, Shirleyan Ebert of Ballston Spa, NY and Marye Howard (John) of Supply, NC, and his former wife, Norma (Cull) Curtiss of Ballston Spa, NY. Karl was deeply loved by his extended family and many friends.

Karl earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from SUNY at Fredonia, his Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania, and later joined Tufts University, where he ultimately became an Associate Professor of Anatomy and Cellular Biology in both the Schools of Veterinary Medicine (Grafton, MA) and Medicine and Dental Medicine (Boston, MA), as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in the College of Food and Natural Resources at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Ebert was awarded research grants supporting a wide range of scientific studies. He was the named inventor on three U.S. patents and was a collaborator on a fourth patent.

The Ebert family would like to thank the UMASS doctors and staff for their kindness and support during Karl’s long battle with esophageal cancer.

Karl desired to be cremated with no formal funeral service. A final wish was to have family and friends gather at his home to share stories and laughter. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2027 in Millbury, MA. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org or on the National Wildlife Federation Donation Page https://support.nwf.org