James P. Kovach Sr., 53, Portage, died Monday. He was born in Johnstown, son of the late John and Mary E. (Salsgiver) Kovach-Smith. Surviving are his wife, Rebecca (Smith); three children: Mandy DeGraffenreid of Wilkes-Barre and James Jr. and Ryan, both of Portage; three grandchildren; and five siblings: John, Gloria Nesbella, Kenneth, Barbara Sigado and Joanne DeMatteis. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, Portage, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, Pastor Tim Dietrich officiating. Committal will be private.
