Richard P. Kovalesky

Richard P. Kovalesky, PhD
Richard P. Kovalesky, PhD, a well respected counselor and advocate for the disabled, of Coaldale, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022, at St. Luke's Hospital Allentown Campus, at 62 years of age.
Born Monday, Oct. 12, 1959, in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Robert Kovalesky. Survived by his rock and greatest advocate, his mother Georgine K. (Jones) Benek, and her husband, Leonard J., of Lansford; caregiver, Missy Miller; beloved cat, Slick.
A 1977 graduate of Tam-
aqua Area High School, Rich earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology from Edinboro University. Rich then earned his Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University.
Owner of Pocono Consulting with offices throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, Rich had served as an adjunct professor at Bloomsburg University. Disabled in 1982, classified as a quadriplegic, Rich's independence was inspirational to all. He was an advocate for the disabled and inspired all who knew him.
Rich was a member of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, National Board of Counseling, National Board of Certified Counselors, and prior to COVID restrictions, served on the Consumer Subcommittee Board in Harrisburg, which met monthly.
Rich enjoyed time spent with family and friends, listening to music, and going out to eat.
Service: A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, with the Rev. Marjorie Keiter to officiate. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services. Interment will be in
Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Memorials to: United Spinal Association, 120-34 Queens Blvd. No. 320, View Gardens, NY 11415. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.