John Christopher Kovacs

Kovacs, John Christopher
October 28, 1948 - September 30, 2009
John Christopher Kovacs passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on September 30, 2009. He was born October 28, 1948 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and attended Rutgers Preparatory School. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilization at Boston University and was a graduate student in Classical Archaeology specializing in Mycenean Studies at The University of Minnesota during which he assisted in excavations at Khirbet Shema, Israel, and Nichoria, Nessenias, Greece. He continued studies at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in the Greek Bronze Age.
He later joined Butterfield & Butterfield Auctioneers, rising to the position of Director of Silver and Russian Works of Art. John was a gifted lecturer, appeared on television's The Antiques Roadshow, on HGTV's Appraise It! and was fluent in French, Latin, Ancient Greek and Hungarian. John also worked with the Social Security Court System, and the Christian Science Church. His talents and accomplishments were many - he was a gourmet chef, accomplished classical pianist and a linguist. He loved to attend (and appeared in) opera; enjoyed traveling and entertaining, and was a passionate alpine skier.
John is survived by his two uncles, Roger Clausen of Santa Rosa and Steve Kovacs of New Jersey, and cousins Jack and Billy Bean and close friend, Jon King. John has left behind a multitude of loving friends with whom he shared his gentle spirit and love of life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rutgers Preparatory School; Re: The John and Ruth Kovacs Memorial Scholarship Fund; Attn: Mr. James Ackerman; 1345 Easton Avenue; Somerset, New Jersey 08873.