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David Kovalcin Obituary
There are little ghosts of Daddy in the mirrors of the Kovalcin house in Hudson, N.H.
David Kovalcin had a habit of drawing smiling portraits of the whole family — his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughters, Rebecca, 4, and Marina, 1 — on the steamy glass in the bathrooms. Now Rebecca draws her own, with only three people.
Mr. Kovalcin, 42, was a passenger on Flight 11, on a business trip for Raytheon, where he was a senior mechanical engineer. Mrs. Kovalcin said they had carved out a "Father Knows Best" kind of life, with him coming home at six every evening, choosing to know his family well rather than to work longer hours for more money.
She remembers that her husband had trouble sleeping two nights before his departure. "He woke me up at 3 a.m., and said 'I'm pacing the house. I can't sleep,' " she said.
"I rubbed his head and tried to calm him down. He was very distressed, but had no idea what it was. Then three days later I remembered, and thought, 'Holy cow, I wonder what that was about.' "
The morning he left home he had written a note for his family: "Rebecca, Marina and Mommy, I will miss everybody very much. See you Friday night." At the end he added, "I fed the dogs but not the fish."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 9, 2001.
David Kovalcin, 42, an engineer for Raytheon from New Hampshire, was headed to the West Coast for business on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston Tuesday morning. He left a note for his wife of five years and their daughters--ages 4 and 1--telling the three how much he would miss them while he was away, said a cousin of Kovalcin's wife.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Janel (Kovalcin) Cottrell
September 12, 2024
Still miss you dear cousin! My grandchildren have heard lots of stories and feel that, in some way, they know you! Family Christmas will always be done of the best memories of my childhood!
Love and miss you!
TCNIEMANN
September 11, 2024
I mentioned you in class today. Kids who were not yet born then are still deeply affected by the day that took you away.
Ed, Lisa and children. Kovalcin
September 15, 2023
Still missing you
TC Niemann
September 12, 2023
Love to David’s family. Never forgotten, old friend.
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Del Newberry
November 12, 2021
Praying today for David's family. It is very sad that we lost so many young people on that day and we will never forget. Much love from Texas,
Janel Cottrell
September 13, 2021
You will never be forgotten my awesome cousin! Thank you for looking after those of us going through missing you! Till we meet again!
Lisa Kovalcin
September 13, 2021
Can't believe it has been 20 years that you have been gone. I wish you could see what a beautiful family you have. Your daughters are incredible! They have grown into beautiful adults. They have your drive and your humor. You have so many nieces and nephews. We never forget about you. Love you and miss you.
TC Niemann
September 3, 2021
This time of year does not ever go by without remembering Dave’s wit and wisdom years and years ago when we worked together at Burger King during college. He could make a person laugh and think. He was a big brother. I will be playing Pat Metheny’s Offramp album in his memory, a favorite that he introduced me to when we were living out on the west end of State College and enjoying life. Sending love to the family and the assurance that Dave is not forgotten.
Steve Graf
September 2, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Dave and learning much from him.
He was a great man that I will always remember.
Lisa and Ed and Family
September 10, 2020
It has been 19 years yet is seems like yesterday. You have left us with some great memories and your beautiful daughters to remind us what a great person you were. You are never forgotten. We love and miss you.
Janel Cottrell
September 11, 2019
Still in our memories! We miss you every day!
Kindred Family
May 24, 2019
We send our continued deep sympathy to your family. Words will never remove the pain of losing someone dearly loved but may they show that others still do care. May God continue to give the needed help and support. David is still missed by others and will always be fondly thought of.
Marina Kovalcin
April 1, 2019
For those of you still commenting on this today, this is David's daughter. I've read every message on here and would like to say thank you. For those of you I don not know, the ones who did projects on him, got a flag or a bracelet with his name, or wrote a story of something nice he did for you in college, thank you. It means a lot to me.
Tim Ciancio
September 11, 2018
Dave
I'll always remember you from high school and friends in the neighborhood.
RIP gone too soon but never forgotten!!
Semper Fidelis
Tim
Janel Cottrell
September 11, 2017
Never forgotten my dear cousin!
Boston - USS Constitution 1984
David Salizzoni
October 15, 2015
Del Newberry
July 22, 2015
Father does indeed know best. We all need to spend as much time as we can with our families for we never know when our families may change. My prayers today are for David's friends and family. Then pain never leaves, but may you be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of many across this great nation who will never forget. Much love from Texas
Janel (Kovalcin) Cottrell
September 11, 2014
Never forgotten! You are still loved and missed as much now, 13 years later! Thank you for watching over your family and friends!
Leo Guy
September 10, 2014
Nearly 13 years to the date you were taken to soon from your family, friends and Hudson, NH community. All the victims and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Myla (Klipa) Pearce
July 23, 2014
I knew David from Notwin high school. Since our last names both started with K we were often in the same home room or seated near each other. He was a wonderful young man and always had a smile. My heart breaks for his family. We will always remember.
S J. Friscia III
April 21, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Angela Dorough
September 21, 2013
I received David's name at my church & I have been praying for his family. May God comfort & guide you. Sending you my love from California. Keeping the prayers going....
Natalie Bowman
September 11, 2013
I send prayers for your family.
Jack Sherbondy
September 11, 2013
May the memory of Dave always bring a smile to his family. God Bless!!
G. Freeman
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leo Guy
September 11, 2013
In Memoriam to those who lost their lives on September 11,2001. Gone but never forgotten from our Hearts and our memories.
Janel (Venis-Kovalcin) Cottrell
September 11, 2012
It has been said that time heals all wounds. I beg to differ. 11 years is a good amount of time, but not enough to erase the pain of this tragedy! Perhaps this should always remain painful so that we never forget! We miss you, David, and your legacy lives on in your girls, your family, the wonderful memories you've created for all of who knew you! We know you are watching over us we look forward to reuniting one day!
Leo Guy
September 11, 2012
All those taken from their love ones on 9/11 will never be forgotten.
Rebecca Muller
February 16, 2012
My prayers go out to the friends and family of this man. I hope his wife and daughters have wonderful memories and know that they will see him again someday.
Dan Young
September 11, 2011
Dave was a ME Grad Student with me at Penn State from '83 to '85. He was also my TA for one of my first ME classes. I remember him fondly.
My condolences and sympathy to his family and close friends.
We will never forget.
Mary Ann Mayer
September 11, 2011
To those hiking for David on 9/10/11: How proud we were to share the trail with you to the summit of Moosilauke. First, you helped us cross the river with our dogs. You are a beautiful, spirited group! Thank you for raising the flag. It was a privelege to be there with you. I have a few nice photos which I would like to forward to you if you wish to contact me. You were all so kind to pose with the "origami poems" from the RI Origmai Poets that we brought to the summit as prayer flags and to help honor the day.
Peace to you,
Mary Ann Mayer & Diane King
PHYLLIS RICE-SNYDER
September 11, 2011
LOVE AND PRAYERS TO DAVE'S FAMILY TODAY AND EVERY DAY. HOLD ON TO YOUR MEMORIES THOUGH HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2011
To the family and friends of David Kovalcin:
David will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
David Salizzoni
September 11, 2011
I lived in an apartment upstairs from Dave at Penn State, and after graduation I was flat broke.
Being the generous spirit that he is, Dave shared his bedroom with me so that I didn't have to sleep in the shrubs outside the apartment building. And as I recall, he also bought me pizza and beer on more than a few occasions, which, to a 21 year old male, was even more valued than having a room to sleep in.
God bless you and yours, David Kovalcin; you will never be forgotten by those whose lives you touched.
September 11, 2011
Dave
We miss you and have lots of great memories in high school and hanging out in the old neighborhoods as kids.
You will live on in of us who
"WILL NEVER FORGET"
SEMPER FIDELIS
Tim Ciancio
September 11, 2011
Remembering Dave on this day 9-11-11. Remembering nice times spent with you, and old friends from Ridge Road. You won't be forgotten. You were a good person. May god be with you. I see Lisa and Ed from time to time and you are missed. Janet Dolnack
Fred Folch-Pi
September 9, 2011
Dave, Sunday will 10 years. Larry, I, Mike, Rick, Frank, Lisa, and the rest of us structures folks at Raytheon East will always remember you for the good coleague, friend, and kindred spirit you were. You are missed and will always be our thoughts and prayers. On a good note, if it is any help, the US NAVY finally got bin Laden. I just thought you would want to know. Godspeed, Dave.
Janel Kovalcin-Cottrell
September 9, 2011
10 years later and you're missed as much as ever! You are always in my heart! Keep the swimming hole ready!
David
September 8, 2011
We never forget you at Raytheon my friend. RIP
Ed Kovalcin
September 6, 2011
To an honorable father, husband, uncle... etc. I am still fighting for your cause and we all miss you.
Alishah Momin
August 31, 2011
It's and honor doing a report on you
Alishah Momin
August 31, 2011
Hello my name is Alishah Momin and I am doing a 9/11 project at Clements High School in Sugar Land, TX for the 10th annivarsary of 9/11, we have to choose a person to honor and I would like to let y'all know that I am doing my report on David
Steven Krasnoff
May 2, 2011
Fondest memories of workin, playin hoops. You are never forgotten my old friend.
Timothy Niemann
May 1, 2011
You will never be forgotten David. Justice was served today, but it is a hollow victory. Rest in Peace old friend.
Joanne Mello
September 11, 2010
Elizabeth, Bill and I wanted to let you know that you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers today. We have such fond memories of the days when you and Dave and Marley were our neighbors in Bedford! Peace and Love to you all!
Paul Sharon
September 11, 2010
Rlizabeth
September 11 2001 was a dark day for all America, and especially so in Hudson NH
Know that our thoughts are with you, along with our hopes that you and the girls are doing OK
Leo Guy
September 10, 2010
David you and all the 9/11 victims will be remembered forever in our hearts.May the eternal flame shine ever so brightly.
Dave McCusker
April 6, 2010
I will not forget David Kovalcin. When my son Dan was at OCS Quantico in 2005, wrote him a letter of support and purpose. I cited David Kovalcin to help him with the motivation during tough training.
Bob Hardy
September 11, 2009
I probably last saw and talked to Dave in 1977. Too bad we all go our separate ways because Dave was a friend of mine at Norwin High School. I think of him every time 9/11 is mentioned. I wish it was for a reason other than 9/11, but I cherish my memories of him nonetheless. Yes, we lost touch, but it looks like he and I were in the same breed of loving and putting family first. God Bless you Dave and especially God Bless your family.
September 11, 2009
It was probably 1977 when I last saw David but he will always, always be remembered for his ability to make light of pretty much any situation. He and you remain in my prayers.
Marjorie Krell
September 11, 2009
Remembering the family on this day.
From the mother-in-law of Robert Palyo of CA.
Mike Francis
September 11, 2009
I was part of a little remembrance ceremony today at a memorial site at Raytheon SAS in El Segundo, Ca.
Tiffany Kovalcin
September 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today, as well as every day.
--Mark & Tiffany Kovalcin
Janel Cottrell (nee Kovalcin)
June 16, 2009
My dear sweet family- so far away in distance and time, but know you are always on my mind! I miss you every day cousin David! Fond memories of Christmas with the Kovalcin clan; my first "alcoholic" beverage ( he was a smart teenager who outwitted this sneaky pre-teen!); a summer of fun in Massachusetts-- Elizabeth, you are a rock and an inspiration! Love always to you and the girls!
Janel- cousin to David, daughter of David E. and Karen Kovalcin
Dina Clark
September 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day of remembrance.
Love, Dina & Kerry Clark (Friend of Lisa Kovalcin)
Sara Balandran
September 10, 2008
Tomorrow, we at Raytheon, El Segundo, CA, will hold a memorial for David and all those that perished on 9/11/01. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family and friends. May God Bless You.
Raytheon Ft. Irwin, California
Robert Callis
August 24, 2008
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
Keith Izydpre
September 23, 2007
Dear Elizabeth, Rebecca, And Marina, I am David's cousin from Atlanta. Your dad and I grew up in Duquesne. Since 9/11 I have thought of your dad often and hope you all are doing well. Although we have never met, my prayers have been with you sice that day. Love Keith Izydore
P Tabbernor
June 7, 2007
In remembrance....
Robert Hayes
November 20, 2006
I remember the good times with David... Way back in 1985 when he was my neighbor in Waltham, MA. Rest in Peace old friend.
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
vicki soto
September 10, 2005
my heart gos out to David and his family. David is my prays every night. god bless David'S WIFE AND CHILDENS AND HIS FAMILY. HE WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO IN OUR LIVES....
Eddie Kovalcin
September 6, 2005
Dear Aunt Elizabeth, Rebecca, And Marina,
Haven't seen you guys in a long time I just hope everything is going well. I think about Uncle Dave everyday and when I think of him, I think of you three beautiful women. I leave for the Military in 2 weeks. You guys are worth more than life. I'm fighting for you and this country. Will miss you three ladies. Love you.
P.S. Thank you everyone who has written to the family. You are also in our prayers.
Dodie Cortez
September 15, 2003
To David's Family:
On September 11, 2003, in Lubbock, Texas, we had a memorial to the victims of 9/11 in the form of a field of flags wherein each flag represented one victim. We were given the opportunity to purchase these flags and with them a certificate with the name of the victim it represented. I am proud to inform you that my flag flies at my home every day in memory and celebration of David. May God bless you and the girls and give you the strength and faith to get through this ordeal. Your friend always in Lubbock, Texas.
Marjorie Krell
September 13, 2003
I thought of David at a special prayer service on Thursday, remembering that day that still brings tears to my eyes. (My daughter is married to a Palyo, and your dear husband's grandmother was his aunt.)
nicole helms
September 12, 2003
to david's family:
Im very sorry for your loss and every day i wake up thankful for my family instead of taking them for granted. i wish i could say i know how you feel but i don't. i am in the 11th grade this year and 2 years ago i was jrotc and i found out about the deadly attack. i was also devastated but wasn't in your place. i hope i can help you. my address is rt2 box 124-c waedsboro nc 28170. and im here for you and your children.
love always,
nicole helms
MARTHA FRAZIER
September 3, 2003
DEAR ELIZABETH, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY NOTE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. IT WAS VERY KIND OF YOU TO WRITE TO ME. I THINK OF YOU AND YOUR GIRLS OFTEN AND WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET. I HOPE IN SOME SMALL WAY IT COMFORTS YOU TO KNOW THAT OTHERS CARE...I WILL NEVER FORGET AS LONG AS I LIVE. GOD BLESS YOU. MARTHA
cindy
September 15, 2002
Dear Elizabeth,
I hope someway and somehow God will help you through this terrible time. My heart broke when i read your article in the paper. I hope the love you have for those children and the love you had with your husband will help you come to terms will all of this.Life sometimes can be so very cruel,but somehow we have to be strong. Elizabeth i hope you hold on very tight to all the support you get sometimes that is the only comfort that seems to help.I will say a pray evernight that you and the children will make it through all of this and will look back at all of the wonderful memories you have and believe me matter what you do in life you always have that special guardian angel up above looking over you forever!
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Palm Jr.
September 11, 2002
David's family,
Somehow certain events of our nation always has a close to home connection. Knowing David's brothers was our connection.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
God Bless You All!
Jason Backes
September 8, 2002
To David's Family:
We planted a blue spruce tree today in memory of him as a part of a memorial progam.
Jeff, Jackie and the boys
September 6, 2002
David's brother lives next door to us and with the anniversary of Sept. 11th coming up, we just want Dave's family to know that we will continue to pray that God gives you peace in your heart and faith to know you will be with David again in glory. God Bless
Guy Getz
August 18, 2002
8-14-2002, I just donated blood at United Blood Services in Las Vegas, Nev. I was told after word, that they were adding a link to their chain of life in honor of David in behalf of my donation. I have been able to become aquinated with David's legacy because of that. May his family be blessed.
Janet Bowden
July 31, 2002
To Elizabeth and the girls:
Almost a year later I am just discovering what happened to your close-knit family. I knew you, Elizabeth, when you were just a beautiful, little girl doted on by the rest of your family and it makes me sad to think that this has happened to you. I'm glad you have the kind of family that can support you three through this. My thoughts will be with you.
Angie Campbell
June 12, 2002
I did not know you or anyone else who passed away on the morning of September 11, 2001. I am so sorry that so many wonderful people where killed out of pure hate and evil. I will never forget what happened or watching it happen on the TV. May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind that morning. Rest in his loving peace and know that you will never be forgotten.
June 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..DAVID KOVALCIN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA..AMEN
ERICA
May 14, 2002
DAVID KOVALCIN REST IN PEACE. YOU WERE A STRANGER TO ME, BUT YOU BECAME A HERO. A HERO TO THIS NATION THAT WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DAVID KOVALCIN. I PRAY THAT SOMEDAY HIS CHILDREN REALIZE WHAT A HERO HIS FATHER WAS. REST IN ETERNAL PEACE DAVID KOVALCIN.
Sheila Werland
March 13, 2002
I am so sorry for the loss of such a loving and dedicated husband and father. To his wife and children, know you have always had a hero in David and he still wathches over you as a Guardian Angel. God Bless you and Keep you.
Teresa Jahn
January 11, 2002
May David's life and love (and steam finger painting on the mirrors) continue living in all who love him. Our hearts cry deeply with you in your great loss of David. May you always feel the warmth of his love radiate into your hearts.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Kathy Swaringen
January 1, 2002
Today, January 1, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of David and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind.
May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not greive alone
David, you will not be forgotten, may you rest in peace and while still drawing on those bathroom mirrors for your children.
Ruth Madrid
November 5, 2001
My name is Ruth. I am wearing a braclet with David Kolvacin's name. An idea created by our pastors wife to remember and pray for our brothers and sisters of this tragedy. I now he had a loving wife and 2 little daughters, and I would like to know their names. I have been praying for Jesus to give them strength and comfort. I can only imagine their pain. I feel close to them in my heart. The profit from these braclets will go to help their families. In Christ's sweet love, and I will keep praying for you. Love Ruth
Paula Morreale
October 9, 2001
MY THOUGHT'S AND PRAYERS AND GO OUT TO DAVID'S WIFE AND TWO DAUGHTER'S. MAY YOU REST IN ETERNAL PEACE, DAVID.
I NOW WEAR A RIBBON WITH DAVIDS NAME ON IT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO, IN REMEBERANCE OF HIM.
Barbara Bolin
September 27, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
DAVID MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Leslie Quealy
September 17, 2001
Dave was the beloved brother of my brother-in-law Ed Kovalcin, and of my sister Lisa.
Dave went to Penn State, and put himself through both under-grad and grad school.
All of our hearts and prayers go to Dave's wife and children.
He was a great great guy.
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