Anthony "Tony" Kovach

Tony Kovach of Howell, MI passed away on June 14, 2024 at the age of 84.
Tony was born in Cleveland, OH on September 29, 1939 to the late Anton Kovach and Anne (neé Zedel) Kovach. A few years later, the growing family relocated to Southfield, MI where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Southfield High School in 1957.
Tony was a proud member of Pipefitters Local 636 and spent a robust career with the Stanley Carter Company working on a number of metro Detroit's most visible landmarks. He was known by many of his colleagues in the trades and he took great pride on finishing his jobs on time and under budget. His creativity and ingenuity were marveled by many of his co-workers. He believed in a hard day's work, a firm handshake, and his word was his bond.
Tony was an avid outdoorsman who welcomed the role of provider for his family. Whether it was hunting for a deer or fishing for a walleye, he passed along his love of nature to each one of his nine grandchildren. He would spend hours gazing out his family room windows watching the birds and the wildlife go about their daily routines and would often point out unique characters like the pileated woodpecker.
For over twenty-five years, Tony would plant dozens of pumpkin seeds each Spring in his garden that would be harvested by family and friends at the annual Grandpa Tony's Pumpkin Patch Party. Rain or shine, Tony would connect his tractor to a specially-designed wagon for a unique hay ride across his ten acres of land stopping at the magical gourd garden. The search for the perfect pumpkin would begin!
Tony is survived by his son Jim (Bridgette), daughters Diane (John) Schram, Barbara (Paul) Theriault; brothers James and Robert, sisters Mary Jane, Sue, and Barbara; close friend and companion Pearl Papin; nine grandchildren: Ryan, Madison, Matthew, Nicholas, Alexander, Lucas, Michael, Charles, and James; great granddaughter Kennedy.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his brother Billy and sister Judy.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St., Brighton, MI 48116 at 1:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 11:00AM. A reception will follow.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a contribution in Tony's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.