Ralph Raymond Kovalak

Ralph Raymond Kovalak, 83, an angel on earth was called home to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 17th , 2020 while residing in Pineville, NC. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on October 29th , 1936 to Elias “Alex” and Ethel (Gecik) Kovalak. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1954. Ralph completed trade school and worked as a master sheet metal worker together with his dad, Alex and brother Richard. In 1955, Ralph married Mary Ann Ondrejech in Lakewood, Ohio. Together they had four children, Mary Lynn, Debra, William “Bill” and Susan over their twenty-three-year marriage. In 1983, Ralph married Donna Pesko (Hess) in North Ridgeville, Ohio and gained two bonus sons, Michael and Stephen Hess. They were married for thirty-six years. Ralph worked until retirement as a Sheet Metal Foreman and was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union 33 in Cleveland, Ohio. Anyone who knew Ralph, knew of his love for his dog Cinder (1,2, or 3) Ralph spared no expense for his “little girl”. Always walking along for miles, or sometimes being carried, Cinder was by his side until he moved into The Haven. Along the way, Ralph and Cinder never met a stranger. Also, Ralph enjoyed nature whether it was bird watching, collecting rocks or gardening. He had a very keen eye for detail and appreciated orderliness. He was an extremely hard, honest worker – whatever Ralph did, he did to perfection. Ralph could fix just about anything. Ralph’s most memorable trip was the trip he and Donna took to Alaska. Donna made many wonderful scrapbooks so Ralph could relive his memories of that and of the family. After his retirement, Ralph worked at several golf courses which he enjoyed. Many great memories were made at the golf course and golfing with Ralph, whether it was with his family or friends, Ralph enjoyed the times spent there. He never missed an opportunity to find golf balls off the path no matter what the terrain. Ralph was very devoted to all those he loved. He was sentimental, generous and kind; we will miss him dearly. Ralph believed in everlasting life and was preceded in death by his parents, Alex, Ethel (Gecik), brothers Andrew and Richard. A joyful reunion has awaited Ralph’s arrival to his heavenly family. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife, Donna, his children, Mary Lynn (Howard) Shayne, Debra Turner, William “ Bill” Kovalak, Susan (Kevin) Terry, Michael (Emma) Hess, Stephen (Becky) Hess, grandchildren; Emily (Casey) and Jordan Shayne, Megan Kovalak, Jennifer (Charles) Montagu, Amanda (Daniel) Kozimor, Christopher and Bryan Kovalak, Kevin (Devin), Kaili, Keegan and Kyler Terry, Julianna and Kristina Hess; and nine great-grandchildren; Survived also by his sister Carol (Charles) Rozsahegyi several nieces, nephews, in laws and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution in Ralph’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Sun City Indian Land, SC. The link for “Ralph’s Rangers” is memory of Ralph is here.  http://act.alz.org/goto/RALPHS_RANGERS 

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