About Ron and our promise to you!

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At Memorial Restorations of Roanoke, our mission is to respectfully preserve and restore the gravestones, monuments, and historic memorials that tell the story of Southwest Virginia. Through professional cleaning, repair, installation, and preservation techniques designed to protect historic stone, we work to ensure that the memories carved into these monuments remain visible and honored for generations to come.

Our company was founded by Ron Kovar, whose life has been defined by service to his community and his country. Ron is a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served honorably as a Military Police Officer. After planting roots in the Roanoke Valley with the love of his life, he continued his dedication to public service for more than two decades as a Master Firefighter and Medic with both the Roanoke County and Botetourt County Fire Departments. Throughout his career, Ron answered the call to serve others with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

That same spirit of service is what inspired the creation of Memorial Restorations of Roanoke. Cemeteries across the Roanoke Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge region hold the stories of the people who built our communities—from early settlers and railroad workers who helped transform Roanoke into the “Magic City,” to veterans, families, and generations of citizens whose lives shaped the region we call home.

Memorial Restorations of Roanoke is proud to serve as the official gravestone restoration expert for Evergreen Trust, the largest cemetery organization in Southwest Virginia. Through this partnership and our work with families, churches, and historic cemeteries, we provide professional gravestone cleaning, monument restoration, memorial installation, and stone repair using safe methods designed to preserve the integrity of historic materials.

Above all, Ron is a devoted family man. He and his wife are the proud parents of three incredible children, all currently pursuing their dreams at Virginia Tech. Supporting their journeys and building a legacy of service and integrity for the next generation is one of his greatest sources of pride.

At Memorial Restorations of Roanoke, we believe these monuments are far more than stone markers. They are the enduring record of lives lived, sacrifices made, and history written. Our mission is to ensure those stories remain visible, respected, and preserved for generations to come.

🛑 Preservation vs. Damage

Proper Memorial Cleaning
Professional restoration uses gentle, non-abrasive techniques along with cemetery-safe cleaning solutions designed specifically to remove biological growth such as moss, lichen, and mold. These methods effectively clean the stone while protecting its surface and structural integrity. Pressure Washing - High-pressure water can erode, crack, or even break fragile stone—especially older materials such as marble, sandstone, and limestone. Once the surface is damaged, the loss is permanent and cannot be reversed.

🧠 Respect for History and Legacy
Proper Memorial Cleaning
Professional restoration respects the historical and emotional importance of a memorial. Careful cleaning helps preserve inscriptions, carvings, and symbols so the story of the individual remains visible for future generations. Pressure Washing. High-pressure washing can strip away lettering, dates, and delicate carvings—removing the very details that give the memorial its meaning and history.

🔍 Attention to Detail
Proper Memorial Cleaning
Professional cleaning is done by hand and includes a careful inspection of the monument. Cracks, loose pieces, biological growth, and structural concerns are noted so the memorial can be properly preserved.
✅ Professional Standards and Ethics
Professional restoration follows guidelines established by preservation organizations such as the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) and the Association for Gravestone Studies.

💰 Long-Term Value
Proper Memorial Cleaning
Using preservation-safe techniques helps protect the memorial for years to come, reducing the likelihood of future repairs.

Cheap Pressure Washing
Damage caused by pressure washing may require expensive restoration—or even full replacement of the stone, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Remember the old saying, you get what you pay for. “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” — Benjamin Franklin