World War II vet and ‘Mad Man’ Lester Kovar dies at 98

Longtime Riverdale resident Lester J. Kovar died on April 9 at the age of 98. Most recently living at the Hebrew Home for the Aged, he and his family moved to Riverdale in 1955. 

A graduate of CCNY, he was a World War II veteran trained by the Navy at Notre Dame, Northwestern University, and at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Commissioned as an ensign, he rose to lieutenant commander, serving on several aircraft carriers in the South Pacific. During that time ,he took part in 19 battle engagements (receiving two unit citations) and was also awarded the Pacific Theatre Ribbon with Seven Stars. 

Mr. Kovar was a highly successful advertising executive in the “Mad Men” era with Goodren Products, specialists in print media and point-of-purchase design, and was listed in Sales Executives of New York Who’s Who.

He was a past President of Riverdale Temple and its Men’s Club, as well as active in Israel Bonds, B’nai B’rith, UJA and other Jewish organizations. He was also a past president of a fraternal organization, Lipsonian Kinsmen, Inc.

He was the dear brother of Philip, husband of the late Mariann, father of Rabbi Shelley Kovar Becker (Marty) and Lance (Galina) as well as the grandfather of Sophia.  

His other survivors include beloved wife Sylvia Klein Paff Kovar and the Paff and Konigsberg families: Bonnie and Bob, Jonathan, Ami and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who gave him years of abundant comfort and support.  

Mr. Kovar’s funeral service will be at the Riverdale Temple on Thursday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. Observing Jewish tradition, there are no flowers. Donations may be made to www.RAC.org and www.GSJC.org.