William Stephen Covach, 79, passed from this life into life everlasting on Saturday, October 17, 2015 following a brief illness, from Schuylkill Center, where he had been a resident for several years.Born in Pottsville on December 11, 1935, “Bill”, a Saint Clair resident for most of his life, was a son of the late Michael and Julia (Rizak) Covach.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia “Gina” (Lewis) Covach, their daughter Virginia “Lee” Covach-Bruno, granddaughter Hannah Covach, son-in-law Gerald Hale, brother Michael Covach, and sisters Anna Breitigan and Ethel Woznicki.
Bill is survived by his sons William S. Covach, Jr. and wife Brenda (Saint Clair), Paul H. Covach and wife Nancy (Shillington), daughters Karen M. Brinser and husband Roger (Lindenhurst, IL), Ashley M. Gipprich and husband Richard (Wyomissing), Cathy L. Covach-Hale (Schuylkill Haven), grandchildren Jonathan Brinser, Bill Brinser, Katie Brinser, Evan Gipprich, Julia Gipprich, Michael Covach, Becca Covach, Noah Hale, Luke Hale, brother Ret. Colonel John Covach, sister Eleanor Stefansky, nieces and nephews.
Bill was a member of the St. Clair Area High School Class of 1953. He attended Lafayette College on a full scholarship where he graduated in 1958 with a BA in economics. He excelled at football while a student, so much so that he was invited to try out for the Chicago Bears. Instead, Bill chose to utilize his education by securing a position with Armstrong Corp., which found him over the next couple of years living and working in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. During this time Bill and Gina married and started their family when, in 1962, they returned to Saint Clair for Bill to take over the family business.
Covach’s Food Market of Saint Clair and Pottsville would be Bill’s labor of love until his retirement just a few years ago. Covach’s hand-cranked kielbassi was a well-known delicacy throughout the area and well beyond, as Bill’s family recalls him shipping the tasty treat as far away as Hawaii. Customers who came to Covach’s were greeted by Bill’s warm laughter and jovial spirit; and when asked how he was doing would often respond, “Tip top, kid. Tip top.”
Bill believed wholeheartedly in giving back to his community and being an involved citizen. He was an active member and past officer of the Saint Clair Kiwanis where he conducted fundraising and ran the borough’s popular Halloween Parade. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Peoples Safe Deposit Bank of Saint Clair, later Community Bank. He was inducted into the Allen Rogowicz Sports Hall of Fame for his stellar football career where the story goes he earned the nickname “Cab” due to his ability to tackle and not be moved. That same sense of focus extended off the field into other games as well, as he was also known to be an avid and talented bridge player.
Bill’s faith was forefront in his life. He was a member of Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Saint Clair where he was a member of the Holy Name Society.
A deep faith in God, and living a life built on service and sacrifice, was what made Bill Covach tick. He was passionate about many things, but none more than his beautiful family, especially his beloved wife Gina. We believe that our loss is her gain, and they are now reunited for eternity. He will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.
Panachida will be held at 9:15 AM Saturday, October 24 from the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home 110 North 2nd Street St. Clair, PA 17970. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 AM at St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 105 North Morris Street St. Clair, PA with the Rev. Monsignor Myron Grabowsky officiating. Friends may call from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday and 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Memorial Fund. Burial will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, St. Clair
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, Saint Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent via www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
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we will dearly miss this wonderful man. he and gina were a loving couple with awesome children. he was loved by many and now is home with gina, lee, jerry, helen. .he made the best kielbasa.