Ronald Roy Kovalak, of Jackson Twp., Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026 at the age of 71. Born on February 24, 1955, in Lakewood, Ohio, son of Richard and Earline (nee Copus) Kovalak.

Ron was married 49 years to his wife, Rebecca Kovalak (nee Emrick). He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Richard II and Robert.

He is survived by his wife, daughters; Heather Crish (Joe) and Jennifer McKinney (Mark), and grandchildren, Mason and Beckett Crish, Lucas, Nathan, and Evelyn McKinney; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and Phil Marlowe; neices and nephews Christa Anderson (Gabriel); Brandon Marlowe (Kailey); Rob Kovalak (Audrey), Carrie Kovalak, and Richard Kovalak III.

Ron attended Parma Senior High, the U.S. Naval Academy, Tri C Western Campus, and the University of Akron.

He was employed at Goodyear Tire Research and Development as an Associate Scientist for 46 years. A dedicated worker with a strong work ethic that was instilled in his daughters. Coaching softball and teaching life skills was a priority with his daughters.

Ron enjoyed fishing, rod building, woodworking, studying history, researching genealogy, and cooking gourmet meals with his wife. Family was Ron's greatest joy, laughing and joking with a dry sense of humor.

The grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He had a brilliant mind for math, chemistry, and physics. He was more than willing to be the "GO TO" for the difficult school problems.

He loved his family and his fur babies, and they will always love and miss him.

The family would like to thank Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center Hospice.

Per Ron's wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice, or Cancer Research.

Please leave condolences here on our tribute page.