Last week nationally known antiques author and expert Ralph Kovel died on Thursday, August 28, 2008 in Cleveland.

Kovel began considering publishing a book indexing antiques by factory specific marks on the bottom of the pottery in the early 1950s. He and his wife Terry received national attention when they published Dictionary of Marks: Pottery & Porcelain in 1953, which led to a weekly question and answer column that currently runs in 150 newspapers. They have written nearly 100 books together and are best known for Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide, which is published annually. He served on the board of trustees of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Western Reserve Historical Society, and Public Broadcasting stations WVIZ-TV and WCPN-NPR. Kovel has won several awards for public service and two Cleveland Emmys for his work on television.

Albert Fisher, television producer and friend of the Kovels provided his thoughts on the passing of a dear friend.

“I had the distinct privilege and honor to be able to call Ralph (and Terry) my dear friend. As their Executive Producer and Director of “Flea Market Finds with the Kovels” for all of our years on HGTV, I traveled the world with this amazing dynamic duo. Their love for one another and their love and passion for antiques was evident in every episode of our TV series. What many people may not realize was that behind the camera Ralph was one of the most compassionate, honest, and loving men I have ever known in my 50 years in television. He was an astute businessman who relished his work not for the monetary rewards but because he was able to make a contribution to society, be it in the food industry, shrimp farming, restaurant business, or his special love: antiques.

The crusty curmudgeon that he sometimes presented on the TV screen was balanced by a softness, warmth, and tenderness that only those privileged to be close to him on a routine basis can ever imagine.

Terry, Lee, Kim, and the rest of the Kovel family, friends, and admirers will never be at a loss for great memories and constant reminders of this one of a kind man. He lives within us all and his life stands as testament to ideals and heights that the rest of us can only hope to reach.

Ralph was a dear friend and treasured colleague. I will miss him immensely.

Albert Fisher
Los Angeles, California”  

On behalf of Geppi’s Entertainment Publishing & Auctions, Scoop would like to offer our condolences to Ralph Kovel’s family and friends.