Fred Kovalo

Fred Yovan Kovalo, age 84, of McMechen, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. Born on February 28, 1941, in Bellaire, Ohio, Fred was a cherished member of his community, remembered for his dedication and skill as a glass blower.

Fred began his career at the former Rodefer and Gleason Glass Company in Bellaire, Ohio, before continuing his craft at the former L.E. Smith Glass of Pennsylvania.

His passion for glass extended when he later worked as a glass blowing demonstrator at the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga Rubcich Kovalo; mother, Smelia Ivkovich Kovalo; grandmother, Mary Ivkovich; Uncle and Aunt Samuel and Elizabeth Ivkovich; cousins Samuel and Joseph Ivkovich; father and stepmother Fred and Rose Kovalo; and brother Jim Kovalo.

Fred leaves behind his sister, Carma Kovalo; sister-in-law, Sherry Kovalo; cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A graveside service will be held at Powhatan Cemetery on Friday, October 17th at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org, or to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org.

His memory will be held dear by those who knew him. Rest in Peace, Freddy.