The wake for Deacon Robert C. Kovach will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. April 13 in St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa, will be the presider. Deacon Chris Loxterman will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 6 p.m.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will celebrate Deacon Kovach’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. April 14 in St. Anselm Church with Father Chris Cox, St. Anselm pastor, as the homilist.
Deacon Kovach, 72, died on April 9. Survivors include his wife Margie (Meglic) and children.
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate for service to the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Richard Lennon on May 1, 2010 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Deacon Kovach was assigned to St. Anselm Parish, where he served until his death.
Those who knew him said he was devoted to his wife and his diaconal ministry. He also enjoyed spending time in the parish school and was generous with his time serving the needs of St. Anselm parishioners. They said he will be remembered for his smile and as being a kind and gentle soul commit4ed to diaconal ministry and formation.
Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.