Washington, Pennsylvania
In a tragic twist, funeral rites for Ryan J. Kovacicek were performed in the same church where he had stood as godfather to his only sister's child. "He was a funny kid, a sweet kid," said Jackie Coleman, a friend. Kovacicek, 22, of Washington, Pa., was killed July 10 by indirect enemy fire in Hit. He was assigned to Moundsville. "He was a brother to everyone, especially to those that didn't have one," said Kovacicek's best friend, Raymond Marinpetro. "He was there whenever and wherever you needed him." He graduated high school in 2001 and lettered in hockey. He continued to play hockey after enrolling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was in his third year of study pursuing a degree in criminology. He enlisted in the military in 2003. His father, Joseph Kovacicek Jr., of Washington, is a veteran of the Vietnam War. "He was a happy-go-lucky kid," said Kathy Smith, a friend. He also is survived by his mother Judy. "Ryan had a great sense of humor," said Kovacicek's brother-in-law, Ron Salvitti. "He was a well-liked kid."
Might be 20 plus years since we did the school bus together but everytime i drive past his families home i think of Ryan and thank him for his sacrifice. He was friends with my brother more so then me but since he was my older brothers friend i always looked up to them growing up. Never remember a time he wasn't smiling. You'll never be forgotten Ryan. Your among good company up there.
Johnson
March 28, 2023 | School
Thinking of you my friend. Thank you being a friend. RIP buddy.
J Bressanelli
October 15, 2022 | PA
You are an amazing Marine and my children will know of you. Semper Fi
P Workman
July 09, 2021 | Coworker
I am so terribly sorry that we lost you, Ryan. I will NEVER forget our lunches together at Canevin, and singing Slipknot together in Chemistry Class. You were a one of a kind guy and no one can take your place in this world.
Leigh Ann Schneider
January 03, 2013 | Pittburgh, PA
To the family of Lance Corporal Ryan J. Kovacicek. God bless you all, and please accept my condolences as a a fellow warrior, US Army, and being originally from Avella, PA. As I often do I go through and look for familiar names when I found Ryan's name. I am truly sorry for your loss, please know this, as long as their are those of us that wear the uniform with an American Flag on it your loss will never be in vain. Thank you for your service as family members, not many understand your...
Shaun Miller
August 25, 2011 | Fort Bragg, NC
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Kovacicek:
Please accept my remembrance of Ryan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
July 10, 2011 | Carson City, NV
Ryan I am thinking of you on this second day of may 2011. Thank you! Because you gave your life we may all live free you were a true American Soldier and one brave American you will forever be in my prayers even though we never met. Thank you friend and god bless.
One Thankful American
May 02, 2011 | Canonsburg, PA
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Kovacicek:
Remembering Ryan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
July 10, 2010 | Carson City, NV
I think about you a lot ryan, 7/10/05 I will never forget. Rest in peace friend. J.Bressanelli
October 17, 2009