John J. Kovatch Jr.

John J. Kovatch Jr.
John J. Sonny Kovatch Jr., founder of KME and the Kovatch Organization, died on Saturday at his residence in Nesquehoning, he was 85 years old. He was the husband of Helen (Yelito) Kovatch, and they were married for 63 Years. Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late John J. and Anna (Yacapsin) Kovatch. Sonny was an Army Veteran of WWH, serving in the South Pacific Theatre in such places as Bouganville, New Guinea and the Philippines. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Nesquehoning, and was also a life member of the Nesquehoning V.F.W. He received many accolades over the years for his civic and business achievements, including 1995 Entrepreneur of the Year and Panther Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the year. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Helen; is a son, John J. III, and wife, Sharon, of Lake Hauto; daughters, Marianne, wife of Ivan Meixell, of Lehighton, Jane, wife of George Beury, of Nesquehoning, Judy, wife of Robert Lebo, of Lake Hauto and Kathy, wife of Ric Reaman, of Nesquehoning; a brother, Joseph, and wife, Florence, of Nesquehoning; sisters, Helen, wife of Frank Homcha, of Nesquehoning, Agnes, wife of John Barachie, of Frederick MD, and Ann, wife of Carl Orner, of Jacksonville FL; grandchildren, Stacy Schaefer, Josh and Lisa Beury, John J. Kovatch IV, and wife, Ashley, Derek, Zackary and Alex Lebo, and Emily, Lauren, Megan and Andrew Reaman; great-grandchildren, Morgan Schaefer, and John J. Kovatch V. He was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Tokay and Margaret Blisard. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Nesquehoning with the Rev. Anthony M. Drouncheck officiating. Interment will be at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Nesquehoning. Military graveside services will be provided by the Panther Valley JROTC and the Nesquehoning U.V.O. Veterans memorial services will be held on Monday evening at 7 p.m. by the Nesquehoning U.V.O. Services and arrangements are being handled by the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning PA. Contributions: Can be made to the John J. Sonny Kovatch Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240.