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Richard Kovach Obituary
INDIANA, Pa. — Richard C. Kovach (Scruff), 70, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Indiana, Pa., surrounded by his family at daughter Richelle's home. He was known as Scruff by most, but as Popeye to his six grandchildren, who thought the world of him.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre on July 13, 1948, to Paul and Marie (Miller) Kovach and was a graduate of Plymouth High School, where he campaigned to install a dome over the football field and fill all the water fountains with Kool-Aid. After graduating from Johnson School of Technology in Scranton, he worked for Procter & Gamble for over 30 years and recently for Steward Industries of Berwick, where they treated him like family.
Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Trase (McGonigle) Kovach, whom he married on Sept. 20, 1975; two daughters, Richelle (Stephen) McCabe, of Indiana, Pa., and Megan (Shawn) Marhelski, of Waynesville, Ohio; six grandchildren: Isabelle, Sophia, Mason and Madden McCabe, all of Indiana, Pa., and Lainey and James Marhelski, both of Waynesville, Ohio; and three brothers, Paul, John and Charles. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and brother George.
Funeral arrangements are private and under the direction of the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home, Indiana, Pa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kovach
Sponsored by Megan Marhelski.
April 3, 2019
rich your a great man we will miss u your cousin ron Pasternak lake carey pa
Meg
March 26, 2019
He raised his family in Noxen where he coached his daughters' softball teams, taught them to shoot guns, hunt, and fish, and told them they could do anything a boy can do. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the number 52. After leaving Procter and Gamble, he and his loving wife Trase spent their winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida camping, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying life. Dad was a member of the American Legion, Moose International, and Our Lady of Victory Church, Harvey's Lake.
March 26, 2019
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
Diane
March 25, 2019
He made me the best pickled eggs when we camped. I don't think I ever saw Rich that he wasn't eating. We sure had marvelous camping days in Myrtle Beach and Sebastian. Always lots of fun...making wonderful memories!! He was a treasure/one of a kind...he was a gift to us all!
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March 25, 2019
Keeping you all in our prayers..love you Cathy Hahn and family
Nichole Seniuk
March 25, 2019
Uncle Richie I love you so much. Wish you had the chance to meet your 2nd nephew. You will always be remembered. SIP
Emil & Sandra Kovach
March 24, 2019
Our sincere condolences to Trase & all family members for the loss of their beloved Richie. We have many beautiful memories of him & his father. One of the fondest is the huge family reunion that Richy & Trace
hosted at their home many years ago. We consider ourselves so fortunate to have had such a special nephew. He will be greatly missed.
March 24, 2019
Iam saddened by the passing of my dear cousin,Richie who was a vital member of our family. He was a great man, devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. We had many great times as cousins of a rather large, close knit family. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his lovely wife, endearing daughters and especially all his grandchildre, the light of his life. Happy fishing Richie. You will be missed with all my heart forever.
Your loving cousin, Pat (Podolak)Jones, daughter of your late dad's sister. Mary Kovach Podolak,dec. My sincere sympathy, Pat and husband Ron Jones
Tonya Cantone
March 22, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of one of the sweetest and funniest work friends I've ever had. The laughter he spread was a balm here. My deepest sympathies to Scruffy's family. He will sure be missed here at the plant. Prayers and love, Tonya
Cathy Aiello
March 22, 2019
I was sad to hear of the passing of my dear cousin, Richie. I spent many adventurous summers with the Kovach family and Richie always made me feel special. I will always treasure those memories. Rest In Peace dear cousin, you will be sadly missed.
Love,
Cathy (McGeorge) Aiello
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