Robert Kovacich 1942-2021

Robert was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Niles, the son of the late Michael and Mary Knezich Kovacich. He was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Class of 1959, and attended Youngstown State University. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1960 to 1963 and had served in Korea.

Bob had worked for Higley’s Flowers and was the owner / operator of Bob’s Lawn Service for many years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of St. Michael Church in Canfield.

Bob was an avid fisherman; he loved to cook and garden. He was also a diehard Cleveland Indians, Browns and YSU football fan.

He leaves his wife of almost 53 years, the former Joan Priley, whom he married Sept. 14, 1968.

Bob also leaves two siblings, Mike (Pat) Kovacich of Warren and Rose Mary (Earl) Ward of Austintown; sisters-in-law, Marie (Daniel) Di Thomas of Canfield and Sylvia Kovacich of Niles; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Richard (Kimberly) Salmen and David Salmen, and a great-nephew, Richard Salmen Jr., who were very special to him.

Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by four brothers, Nick, Louis, Joseph and Thomas; and three sisters, Anne, Mildred and Martha.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church in Canfield, where friends may call 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bob’s name to any charity of the donor’s choice.

Friends and family may view this obituary and give their condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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