Richard Kovach

Richard C. Kovach (Scruff), 70, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019 in Indiana, PA surrounded by his family at his 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 Koolaid.  After graduating from Johnson School of Technology in Scranton, he worked for Procter and Gamble for over 30 years and recently for Steward Industries of Berwick where they treated him like family.
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.  Rich was a member of the American Legion, Moose International, and Our Lady of Victory Church, Harvey's Lake.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Trase (McGonigle) Kovach, whom he married on September 20, 1975; two daughters Richelle (Stephen) McCabe, Indiana, PA and Megan (Shawn) Marhelski, Waynesville, OH; six grandchildren Isabelle, Sophia, Mason and Madden McCabe, all of Indiana, and Lainey and James Marhelski, both of Waynesville; 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.  
 

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