Nicholas N. Koback

1935 - 2015

Nicholas N. Koback "Nick", 79, beloved brother and uncle, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital after a long illness. He was born on July 19, 1935 in Hartford, the only son of the late Nicholas I. and Anna (Demick) Koback. Nick was a gifted athlete who played baseball and basketball in his youth. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates immediately after graduating from Hartford High School in 1953, at that time he was one of the youngest players ever to sign with the team. He continued to play baseball for various teams throughout the country and in Mexico for several years and enjoyed his time on the road. He served his country in the Army National Guard. After retiring from baseball he became a professional golfer, working at clubs in Hartford and Florida and playing competitively, including in the Greater Hartford Open as well as other tournaments. He was well known at golf courses in the Farmington Valley and continued to excel at golf until his final illness. Nick was known for his sense of style and meticulous appearance. He worked in sales for many years at Udolf's Clothiers in Hartford, advising Hartford's "movers and shakers" on what to wear. He finished up his career at the Madison Shop in Avon. He is survived by his twin sister, Helen Freitag of Newington, and his three nieces; Esther Derr and her husband Richard of Simsbury, Nancy Freitag of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and Linda Porter of Southington. He also leaves three great-nephews and a great-niece, all of whom he was extremely proud; Nicholas Derr and his wife Charlotte, Parker Porter and his wife Marisa, Joshua Porter and Alexis Derr and her fiancé Kevin Granger. Nick was also thrilled to be a great-great uncle to two great-great nieces and two great-great nephews and delighted in hearing about their escapades. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Frederick W. Freitag. There are no calling hours, burial will be private and Newington Memorial Funeral Home is serving the family. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.newingtonmemorial.com.