Stephen Douglas Kovach

Stephen Douglas "Doug" Kovach, 62, of Denbo, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019. He was born May 20, 1956, the son of Frank "Junebug" Kovach and Sophie Bell Kovach.

Doug graduated from Bethlehem-Center, Class of 1974.

Doug attended California University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in education with a concentration in sociology and a master's degree in counseling. Doug was a member of the Kappa Phi Kappa fraternity.

Doug's exciting and expansive career spanned more than three decades. He started as a counselor with the Upward Bound Program at the then-California State College. From there, he went to Centerville Clinic as a drug and alcohol counselor. Doug continued his career at Charleroi Area School District as the activities director for the after-school program.

From there, he went to Fayette County Head Start as its G.E.D. facilitator and parent involvement coordinator. During those 17 years, Doug gained many accolades and awards throughout the National Head Start Program. During his tenure there, Doug developed and wrote the Exploring Parenting Training Manual, which is used today nationwide.

Upon leaving Fayette County Head Start, Doug took the position as Head Start director for Washington and Greene counties under Community Action Southwest. During those 14 years, Doug elevated the Head Start Program to national recognition as the model program in the country.

Doug's passion for helping children and families in need of social services was a driving force behind the man who put those before himself.

He also was the first program director to bring Early Head Start and pre-K programs to the state. Doug was instrumental in both the Fayette and Washington/Greene county programs to encourage many to pursue education and eventually graduate from college with bachelor's and master's degrees allowing them to pursue fulfilling careers.

During his long and fulfilling career with Head Start, Doug received numerous awards and recognitions. Of those is the prestigious Francine Bunch Memorial Award. This was in recognition of his personal achievements and contributions to the Head Start organization at the state and local levels.

As a program director, Doug also served on the Head Start/Early Head Start Federal Review Team and as a national trainer for the Exploring Parenting Curriculum. For the Pennsylvania Head Start/National Head Start Association, Doug served as its vice president.

As a member of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Doug spent several years working with the chamber and members to help draw new business to the Mon Valley area. For his dedication and love for the community, Doug received the Shining Star Award.

Doug also served on Centerville Borough Council for 17 years, where he chaired several committees as well as was borough council president.

In 1991, Doug and Ernie started their business adventure with the opening of "The Patch House." Not far behind came "113 Pineapple Place." Shortly after that, "Pretty Petals" was established and is still a highly sought out floral and gift shop where patrons become family.

Upon retirement, Doug became instrumental in the design and display aspect of the business. Many were in awe when attending any holiday open house or one of their fun and exciting Garden Club presentations. Doug touched many lives with his love of people and full-of-life personality.

Spending time outdoors tending to his flower gardens, traveling to visit family or for pleasure, choosing artwork, enjoying time at the beach and, last but certainly not least, cooking. He always had some creative dish we could never figure out but was always delicious.

Married June 17, 2014, Doug was most proud to tell people about his husband Ernie and the relationship they shared that spanned 41 blessed years as they shared a sense of adventure and love of travel, family and food with those that came to know them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank "Junebug" Kovach and Sophie Bell Kovach, and father-in-law Donald Nelson; brothers Bill, Tom, Edson "Jim," Gerald "Jake" Kovach; and sister Beverly Bolin.

He is survived by his husband, Ernie Nelson; brother Kenny Kovach and wife Shirley of Denbo; sisters Pat Pfiler of Medina, Ohio, Violet "Cookie" Kovach of Bedford, Ohio, and Hazel Hager and Charlie Smith of Denbo; mother-in-law Jeri Nelson of California; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where prayers will be said at 9:45 a.m. Friday, January 18, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, California. Interment will be in Taylor Cemetery, West Pike Run Township.

Online guestbook and personal condolences may be accessed at www.greenleefuneralhomes.com.