Julius L. Kovacs

1925 - 2021

Julius L. Kovacs, 95, passed away on May 22, 2021 at Devon House Senior Living, Salisbury Twp., where he resided since February 2020. Born in Allentown on October 7, 1925, he was a son of the late Joseph and Rose (David) Kovacs, from whom he inherited a Hungarian heritage that was a lifelong pride. He graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1942. On his 18th birthday in 1943, Julius enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was stationed at 13 different air bases in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, where he trained as a gunnery mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1946, having achieved the rank of corporal. Julius began work in the shipping office of Arbogast & Bastian in 1942. After the war, he returned to A&B and worked in the payroll department. In 1952 he started as an IBM tab operator at Stuyvesant Insurance Co. The company changed hands several times during his tenure, until it became Chrysler First, where he worked as operations manager in the data-processing department. He retired in 1988. On July 2, 1949, Julius married Mary F. Unger, RN. They lived in Coplay for five years before settling permanently on Fairview St. in Allentown. Mary passed away in 1986. Julius was a lifelong member of St. Stephen of Hungary Church, Allentown, where he served as organist and choir director for 74 years, from 1942 to 2016. He played for Sunday Masses, weddings, funerals, and other church events. For years he also served as organist and director of the Holy Name Choir at St. Peter's Church, Coplay. Further, he lent his musical talents to various events and services throughout the Diocese of Allentown. Highlights included providing the music for the dedications of three church buildings as well as for a Mass offered by Cardinal Mindszenty. Julius also used his musical background as a member of the Greater Allentown Pioneers, a singer in the Keystone Keynotes, and a board member of the Allentown Community Concert Association. He was well known in local Hungarian-American circles, especially for his role in countless musical performances at the Northampton Hungarian Hall and his participation in other Hungarian cultural and civic events in the area. Besides his musical achievements, Julius was an accomplished artist, producing numerous oil paintings and painted ceramics he designed based off museum pieces. He also traveled extensively, touring key destinations on six continents, with greatest interest in Europe. Additionally, Julius was widely known for his decades-long weightlifting and fitness routine, which he maintained until age 90. He was also noted for his culinary skills, especially in making Hungarian cuisine.

Survivors: He is survived by his son Stephen and wife Mary; son Thomas and wife Brenda; sister Elsie Kovacs; and grandchildren: Sister Elizabeth, Stephen, Jennifer, Amy, and Stephanie Kovacs. In addition to his wife, Julius was predeceased by his brothers: Joseph, John, and Rev. Louis Kovacs; his sister, Rose Kovacs; and his companion of many years, Rose Longo.

Services: Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 AM Friday, May 28, 2021 at St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Church, 510 Union Street, Allentown. A viewing will be held 10:30-11:30 AM Friday in the church. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Allentown, www.BKRFH.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests Masses to be offered for the repose of Julius' soul.