Deacon Richard Kovacs

Richie Kovacs (Poppie), born July 15, 1943, in Danbury, CT, to the late Frank A. and Lena (Colla) Kovacs (who likely prayed for patience after his arrival), passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that can only be described as a blend of servant leadership, humor, and a passion for the most unhealthiest of food (clearly gained from his experience as a cook in the army).

Richard’s career was a whirlwind tour of professional variety: from his humble beginnings at the family business of Frank Kovacs Texaco on West Street, to a stint as the owner of Kovacs Lamontagne Limousine (where he perfected the art of making car rides feel like a royal affair), to his time with the dioceses of Bridgeport and New York under the watchful eye of the late Cardinal Edward Egan. He retired in 2016 with the satisfaction of orchestrating the Papal visit to New York in 2008. Yes, Richard was the man who made sure the Pope had a red carpet experience—and if that wasn't impressive enough, he probably had a cheap hot dog (which he loved) and a soda ready for His Holiness.

Surviving Richard are his devoted wife Carol, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage (and endless debates over the best way to cook just about everything), their children Kim (Bob) of New Fairfield, CT; Alan (Tressa) of Danbury, CT and his grandchildren: Robby, Ashley, AJ, Logan, and Lynae, and his much, much older brother Frank of Southbury, CT. They’ll fondly remember Poppie’s offbeat humor and uncanny ability to find a juicy gossip story on his countless, never-ending drives around town.

Richard’s passion extended beyond just a great meal and a good laugh. As a deacon ordained in 1990 alongside Vince, Jerry, Paul, and Dave (who all wondered how they ended up in the same "holy" fraternity), Richard found joy in marrying couples, baptizing babies, and presiding over funerals with a grace that was both comforting and, inevitably, sprinkled with his signature humor. He managed to align himself with Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Joseph (Danbury), Saint Joseph (Brookfield), St. Gregory the Great, St. Anthony, and Sacred Heart Churches—all the while balancing his memberships in the National Kidney Foundation, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Exchange Club, Amerigo Vespucci Lodge, the Order of Saint Sharbel, Catholic War Veterans, Elks Club, AARP Danbury and the Danbury Senior Center. He was also a past Grand Knight of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight—a real overachiever in the realm of knighthood.

Notorious for his struggles with technology, Richard’s most triumphant moment came when he connected to a public Wi-Fi network, an event he celebrated as if he'd discovered fire. He spent his time between Danbury, CT; Naples, FL; and Westerly, RI, and was known for his obsession with the Food Network, treating it as if it were his personal guide to culinary perfection.

Richard was a living donor for over 26 years, having given a kidney to his daughter Kim, proving once again that he was not just generous with his jokes but with his organs too.

In summary, Rich was a man of many talents, a fountain of humor, and a friend to anyone with a good story or a tip on a roadside greasy spoon. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on with each undiscovered diner, dinner of fried bologna, carousel rides, and every heartfelt, funny story he left behind.

Rest in peace, Poppie. Keep spreading joy and laughter in heaven, and we’ll catch up with you on the other side.

Please honor our hero, Rich, by making a donation in his name to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org. If you're interested in saving lives through organ donation, consider signing up at donatelifect.org.