John F. "Jack" Kovach

John (Jack) Kovach passed away on September 25, 2022.  Born in Fairport Harbor to Michael and Emma (Rego) Kovach on October 1, 1930.  He was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He was also known for his comical comments.  He loved hearing about his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s accomplishments.  “Those kids are all smart, athletic and good looking, like me.”

Jack was a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for Diamond Shamrock and Sears for a total of 55 years. He was a member of the Fairport VFW Post 7754, American Slovenian Club and Hungarian Culture Club.  Jack was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.  Jack’s passion was cooking for friends and family, he used his cooking skills to raise funds for Saint Anthony’s and the American Slovenian Club. 

Jack was known for The Cabbage Roll Festival in Fairport Harbor.

Jack was married to Irene (Drobnick) Kovach on May 8, 1954.  Irene passed away 23 days after her “Handsome Husband” passing.  Jack is survived by son, Mark (Kathy) Kovach; daughters Donna (Nick) Kosanovich and Lisa Wisen; grandchildren, Shawna (Andrew Powers) Kovach, Jacqueline (Joey) Bruno, Nicholas (Eliza) Kosanovich, Lauren (Adam) Graf and Sarah Wisen; great grandchildren, Jack, Julian and Juliana Bruno and Logan Kosanovich; sisters Margaret (Jack) Hietanen and Elizabeth (Arthur) Miller; Pastor and Best Friend Rev. Peter Mihalic (Father Pete).     

He was preceded in death by his parents; Michael and Emma Kovach, brother; Robert Kovach and sister; Emma Kovach.

 A special thank you to caregivers, Gail, Tiffany, Megan, Molly, Hospice of the Western Reserve, beloved daughters, Donna and Lisa.

A 10:0am Mass “Celebration of Life” will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 316 Fifth St. Fairport Harbor, Ohio on Friday December 2, 2022.  Internment immediately following Mass at Riverside Cemetery.

Following Mass all are invited to “Celebrate Life” at the reception center at St. Anthony’s.

Donations made to: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church “Building Maintenance Fund” Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Or American Slovenian Club Fairport Harbor, OH

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