Richard Joseph 'Pops' Kovar Sr., 74,of New London, died Saturday, May 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Maple Heights on April 28, 1938 to the late Joseph Frank and Mary Ann (nee Glavich) Kovar. Richard lived in and around the Cleveland area most of his life but was a graduate of Wellington High School. He moved to New London in 1989. Richard worked as a mat cutter for Xerxes in Avon and retired in 2000. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed working with electronics, taking things apart and usually fixing them and getting them back together. Richard was also fond of his dogs, especially Skippy. In his youth, Richard was active in 4H. As he grew older Richard liked to spend his time watching TV and movies, but most of all Richard cherished time with his family. Richard is survived by his wife of 38 years Darlene (nee Markel), his children Richard Kovar Jr., Patricia Lasure both of Elyria, Annette Markel of Lorain, Colleen Jordan of Wellington, and James Kovar of New London; 3 step-children whom he claimed as his own, Patty Kehl of Elyria, Russell Cortez of New London, and Ricky Cortez of North Ridgeville; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother James Kovar of Amherst and many nieces and nephews including Frank J. Turchik. Richard was preceded in death by his brother Joseph. Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, May 15, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St., Wellington, where services will be held on Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. Fr. James Reymann officiating, burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst. Donations in Richard's memory may be directed to any animal shelter of the donors' choice.