Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas R. Kovach, Jr., 56, of Spotsylvania, passed away Thursday evening May 9, 2013 at Mary Washington Hospital. Tom was born on March 9, 1957 in Monessen, Pa. He graduated from Monessen High School and attended Virginia Military Institute receiving a Degree in Civil Engineering in 1979.
He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Raymond Kovach, Sr. of Monessen, Pa.
Tom joined the Marine Corps on May 18, 1979, earning his helicopter rating in 1983, flying Cobra Gun Ships, and then served in Desert Storm. He also attended the Naval War College. Following his retirement he was employed by Quadelta as a Senior Engineer, and worked there for ten years, leaving for medical reasons. Tom loved his job and was very loyal and dedicated to his profession.
He was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church serving as a vestry member for four years. He also served on the Stewardship Committee.
Growing up Tom was very active with The Boy Scouts of America earning his Eagle Scout and The Order of the Arrow. As an adult he volunteered with the boy scouts and served as a Scoutmaster of Troop 847 Chancellor.
Survivors include, his loving wife Mary; sons: Thomas Russell Kovach and his fianc Nina Joson of Tampa Florida, Stephen Lawrence Kovach, and his fianc, Melissa Andrew and grandson Chancellor William Kovach of Locust Grove, VA; SGT Jeffrey Raymond and his wife Jihee Kovach of Ft. Drum, NY; his mother Evelyn and step-father Frank Novotny; brothers; Michael Kovach and sister-in-law, Karen and nieces, Ali and Madi of Danville, PA and Paul Kovach, of Cummings, GA. The family will receive friends at Laurel Hill Funeral Home in Spotsylvania, on Tuesday, May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Spotsylvania on Wednesday at 1 p.m. May 15 with The Very Rev. Jeffery Packard officiating. The family will receive guests at a reception in All Saints Hall. Burial will be at a later
date in Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Christ Episcopal Church, 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.