John “Jack” Kovach Jr., 83, of Delaware passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, December 28, 2023 at the Ohio Living Sarah Moore Home in Delaware surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 23, 1940 in Greene County, Pennsylvania to the late John Kovach Sr. and Dorothy (Csmerka) Kovach and graduated from Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania in 1958. He then furthered his studies and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Waynesburg College graduating Cum Laude in 1962 before receiving his Master’s and PhD in Geology from The Ohio State University.
Jack was a Professor of Geology at Muskingum College, retiring after 37 years. Throughout his career, he was a member of several scientific organizations. He attended St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rices Landing, Pennsylvania and was very proud to be an Eagle Scout. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting for arrowheads, fishing, and deer hunting. In his earlier years, he enjoyed painting and wood carving. Jack cherished his opportunities for world travel to Europe, China, and Russia. He was especially proud of the six weeks he spent in Antarctica doing geologic field work in 1964 - 1965.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Frances (Block); sons, Thomas (Tammy) Kovach of Delaware and John (Megan) Kovach of Lewis Center; grandchildren, Kaitlin and Kevin; brother, Jim (Linda) Kovach of Clarksville, PA; sisters, Laynee (John) Zipko of Washington, PA and Janet Kowalczyk of Carmichaels, PA; family, Wendy (Brian Myers) Sergent, Spencre, Emma and Cooper of Wadsworth, OH; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jack was also preceded in death by his brother Richard “Rick” Kovach.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sarah Moore Home for the wonderful care and concern given to Jack over the past 18 months.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Burr Oak Commons Community Center in Delaware, OH from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center of Delaware is honored to serve the Kovach family.
To share a fond memory of Jack or to offer a condolence to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
