Richard G. Kovach of Pottstown
Loving husband, father and grandfather, Richard G. Kovach, 83, of Pottstown, husband of the late Sandra F. (Oxenford) Kovach, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 21st, surrounded by his family.
He was the son of the late Anna C. (Guman) and George M. Kovach.
Richard was a 1954 graduate of Pottstown High School where he was a student in the electrical-vocational program. He completed course work in mechanical engineering through I.C.S., and studied math, mechanical drawing, and machine and tool design at Penn State Extension while completing a 5-year apprenticeship in mechanical drawing at Sanders & Thomas, Inc. Richard continued his employment with the Boyertown Casket Company as a plant layout and machine designer, followed by R.C.A. Lancaster, Pa., as a designer of high speed production machinery, and supervisor of installation and testing.
From 1968-1980, Richard was a senior draftsman with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and from 1980-1985, he was the Chief Design Draftsman for the Pottstown Machine Company. Richard became the design draftsman and project coordinator for the Universal Machine Company in 1985. He was later promoted to mechanical projects manger in 1990.
Richard remained there until his retirement in 2003. He also mentored drafting students through the Pennsylvania Youth Apprenticeship program at the Western Montgomery County Area VoTech School.
After retiring from Universal Machine Company, Richard began working with the Pottsgrove School District, subbing and maintaining the high school ACA room until his second retirement in 2014.
Richard loved to fish, golf, build boats and airplanes, take care of his lawn, pool and gardens, along with rooting for his favorite sports teams! But he was most passionate about following his grandchildren through their high school concerts, art shows and athletics, with his wife, Sandra. He continued to travel and actively cheer for his grandchildren’s collegiate athletics as well. Richard and Sandra also enjoyed traveling and many cruises with friends after their retirements.
Surviving are three daughters: Julia M. Kovach, Cynthia K. Foust and Edith L. Bennett, (wife of Mark M. Bennett), and one sister: Monica White, all of Pottstown; eight grandchildren: Justin M. Klinger (husband of Heather), Jordan M. Klinger, Joshua M. Klinger, Jonathan M. Klinger, Daniel R. Foust, Cara Lynn Mellor (wife of Rebecca Mellor), Eryn L. Schultz and Stephanie A. Schultz. Richard is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Sandra F. (Oxenford), daughter Bobbi-Jo and two brothers, Albert J. Kovach and Robert J. Kovach.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 2nd at the First Presbyterian Church 750 N. Evans Street Pottstown PA. Visitation will begin at 4:30 PM with the service beginning at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to The First Presbyterian Church memorial fund or music ministry. www.fpcpottstown.org.
Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, at 359 King St. in Pottstown, PA.
Our website exists to serve the friends and family of the deceased. Go to http://www.schumacherandbenner.com to extend sympathies and access additional service details.