Albert Kovacs

Albert Paul Kovacs, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-the city where he was born on July 9, 1943, and where he spent his entire life building a legacy of service, laughter, and love.

Albert was the beloved husband of Patti (nee Kopay) Kovacs for 54 years. Family was everything to him, and he devoted his life to those he loved. Together, Albert and Patti raised two children: Courteney Kovacs of New York City and Albert Kovacs Jr. (Lauren). He was the proud and adoring Grandad and "Grandy" to Harper and Sawyer, who were the absolute light of his life.

A graduate of Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Albert began his professional journey by enlisting in the U.S. Army in November, 1961. Stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he valued his service and attained the rank of Private First Class. He completed his military duty and was honorably discharged in November 1963. Upon returning home, he entered Pittsburgh's iconic steel industry-first as a mill worker and later as a draftsman and programmer for U.S. Steel. During his time at US Steel, he earned his Associate Degree from CCAC, and continued to take evening classes at the University of Pittsburgh, furthering his education towards a Bachelor's Degree while continuing to work full-time.

Albert later made a bold career change that would define much of his life: he became a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh. Wearing the uniform with pride and courage, he served his community with unwavering dedication until his retirement. Whether fighting fires, or helping family and friends in need, Albert approached every task with a full heart and tireless energy.

He loved spending time with his wife and family. He attended every game, practice, activity and event of his children and grandchildren over the years. He was very social and enjoyed going out to "see people."

A lifelong Pittsburgher at heart, Albert was an enthusiastic fan of all things Black and Gold-cheering on the Penguins, Steelers, Pirates, and also Pitt Panthers with passion. Later in life, after many visits to see Courteney in New York City, he also became an avid New York Yankees fan.

Albert found joy in the simple pleasures: sitting in the afternoon sun, Sunday drives, family "cookouts", holidays – Thanksgiving dinner with family was always his favorite, and birthdays surrounded by loved ones. He had an enduring sweet tooth-especially for ice cream, strawberry sundaes, and he always looked forward to his cherished breakfast "smile."

His hobbies were as vibrant as his personality. He was an avid bodybuilder in his younger years and loved to ice skate and swim. He had a life-long interest in golf and always enjoyed the driving range, playing on various courses in Pittsburgh, watching televised tournaments, and attending the US Open. He enjoyed puzzles of all kinds-crosswords especially-and never missed a chance to play the lottery or buy a scratch off ticket (as excited as he was, he always seemed to miss it by 1 or 2…or 3 or 4 numbers). He umpired girls' softball games for many years and even delivered flowers just to brighten someone's day.

Albert also had a deep love for music from his era and could often be heard singing along to familiar tunes. He liked Elvis Presley's music, and in 2017, he and Courteney visited Graceland in Memphis, TN. He enjoyed Westerns and action-packed films-particularly those featuring Superman or James Bond.

Albert's presence was magnetic. He had a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor that could light up any room. A master joke teller with a story for every occasion, he had a rare gift for making strangers feel like lifelong friends. Whether you knew him as Albert, Al, Daddy, Dad, Granddad, Grandy, Uncle Al, Mr. Kovacs-or simply as the guy with the biggest smile in the room-you likely felt better after being around him.

To those who knew him best, Albert was more than just a husband or father; he was a storyteller, an encourager, a fixer of all things broken (including spirits and hearts), a man whose laughter echoed long after he left the room.

He was deeply rooted in his Byzantine Catholic faith and attended church weekly throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife Patti; daughter Courteney; son Albert Jr., daughter-in-law Lauren; grandchildren Harper and Sawyer; brother Joseph "Sonny" Kovacs; as well as brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Alex Kovacs and mother Julia Beley.

We will miss you every single day. We love you always. Memory Eternal.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on September 23, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Szal Funeral Home 238 Helen Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on September 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church 225 Olivia Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

A Military Burial will be held on September 24, 2025, at 01:00 PM at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017.