Stephen (Steve) Kovatch, age 95, of Lancaster, Ohio passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018. He was born in Massillon, Ohio on September 18, 1922 to the late John and Eva Kovatch. He graduated from Washington High School in 1940.
He enlisted in the Army in 1943, served in the 101st Infantry as part of Patton’s 3rd Army, and participated in The Battle of the Bulge. Five of Steve’s brothers also served in World War II and remarkably all six returned. Steve was discharged in January, 1946 and came home to marry his high school sweetheart, Irene Wassil on May 11, 1946.
Steve and Irene lived in Massillon until 1963 when they moved with their four children to Wooster. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church of Massillon and then First Presbyterian Church of Wooster. Additionally, Steve belonged to Wooster Commandery #48 – Knights Templar; Masonic Lodge #33 Ebenezer-Wooster; Scottish Rite – Valley of Canton; Wooster Chapter #27 – Royal Arch Mason; and Wooster Council #13 – Royal & Select Masons.
Steve enjoyed fishing, gardening, bowling, coaching Little League, and traveling, especially several trips to visit relatives in Slovakia. He was most proud of the precision and creativity he displayed as a tool and die maker, for over 20 years at Griscom Russell and then over 25 years at Wooster Brush. Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, April 23, 1988 and all fifteen siblings.
Steve leaves behind his four children: Janet (Mike) Hubbard, Steve (Joyce Burke) Kovatch, Joan (Toby) Bruch, and Tom (Janet) Kovatch. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren: Brad Hubbard, Matt (Becca Rea) and Wren Hubbard; Carly Kovatch and son Nick Stanley, Cara (Cody) Ingram, Caity (Eric) Bickle; Tommy (Casey) Bruch and twins Bronson and Brecken, Megan Wright and Halle, Blake and Lillie; Craig Kovatch; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, Massillon, Ohio with Rev.
Larry Lalama officiating. Calling hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2018 and Wednesday morning one hour prior to the service. Interment will be immediately following the funeral on Wednesday at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Honor Flight, Inc, ATTN Meredith Rosenbeck, 175 S. Tuttle Rd, Springfield, Ohio 45505 or to the American Diabetes Foundation, 2451 Crystal Dr, Set 900, Arlington VA 22202. Steve thoroughly enjoyed his role as father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Children were always drawn to him and everyone remembers him as kind, positive, grateful, generous and full of joy.
He was one in a million, and we will all miss his very big heart. The family extends special thanks to the employees of Primrose Memory Care (Lancaster, Ohio) for the extraordinary and compassionate care extended to Steve in his final days. Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-4839 To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Stephen (Steve) Kovatch, please visit our Tribute Store.
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