In Memory of Ralph Kovel

Public broadcasting lost a great friend and supporter Thursday, August 28 when ideastream Trustee Ralph Kovel passed away. He was an extraordinary and generous man whose personal support benefited individuals and institutions throughout our community.

Ralph and his wife Terry, leading authors and experts on antiques and collectables, are well known throughout the country for their books, newspaper columns and television programs. Their first national television series was produced and distributed by WVIZ/PBS. Their appearance on the annual WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction helped educate while also raising dollars to support the station over many years. In addition to working hard to describe and sell the items they donated, many of the most interesting antiques came from their own extensive collection. Their support of the Campaign for the Idea Center made possible the construction and furnishing of the comfortable Kovel Green Room where guests wait until it is time to appear on television or radio programs.

Ralph Kovel was Senior Vice President, Superior Coffee and Foods; President, CEO U.S. Brands Inc.; Vice President, Antiques, Inc.; Director, Lucayan Aquaculture; Trustee, Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland Pops; and former teacher of antiques at Case Western Reserve and John Carroll Universities.

He and Terry co-authored over 100 books, including:  their first, Dictionary of Marks, Pottery and Porcelain; Kovels’ American Art Pottery; Kovels’ Know Your Antiques; Kovels’ Know Your Collectibles; Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price List, published annually since 1968.

Ralph and Terry’s syndicated newspaper column, “Kovel’s Antiques & Collecting,” is published in over 150 newspapers, including The Plain Dealer. Ralph was also co-editor and publisher of a nationally distributed monthly newsletter about collecting.  Ralph and Terry appeared in many television programs since 1969, including a series for WVIZ/PBS and most recently, a half-hour weekly program on HGTV, “Flea Market Finds with the Kovels.”

Ralph’s awards include: National Lane Bryant award for distinguished volunteer; Louis S. Peirce Award for Outstanding Community Service from WVIZ/PBS; Emmy awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Cleveland Chapter, for Know Your Antiques series in 1981 and for Kovels on Collecting in 1987.

Funeral services are on Sunday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118