Rev. Robert P. Coval

Rev. Robert Philip Coval Ellwood City The Rev. Robert Philip Coval, 78, died unexpectedly from heart failure, on Tuesday, February 21, 2019, at his home.  He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 22, 1940, to the late Elizabeth (Deussing) and Philip F. Coval. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only sibling, Thomas E. Coval. On December 18, 1969, Robert was ordained an Episcopal priest by the Rt. Rev. Robert B. Appleyard, Bishop of Pittsburgh.  Prior to his ordination as an Episcopal priest, he spent two years as a Lutheran minister.  Robert was a graduate of Philadelphia's Frankford High School, and then went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania where he was awarded a bachelor of arts degree.  He then continued his education by earning a bachelor of divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia and obtained a master of sacred theology degree at General Theological Seminary in New York City.  Throughout his 49 years as an Anglican priest, he has served several parishes.  For the past 10 years, he has been the pastor of St. John's Stone Lutheran Church in Harmony. Robert married Judith A. Gill on February 5, 1972.  She, along with their children, Keri (Spencer) Perkins and Clifford A. Coval, survive him.  He is also survived by his grandchildren,  Jesse, Hannah, Samuel and Aaron, and one great-grandson, Vincent.  Robert was well loved by the many lives he touched. Friends will be received Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com.  A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at 11 a.m. in the St. John's Lutheran Stone Church, 235 Stone Church Road, Harmony, PA 16037, with the Rev. Canon John H. Park and Deacon Tom Turney, officiating.