Christopher Ronald Kovach

Christopher Ronald Kovach, age 56, passed away on April 20, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 24, 1968, to William and the late Beverley Kovach. He is survived by his soulmate, Rosa Kovach, who he married on Sept 14, 1996; beloved daughters, Meghan Kovach, and Alexandra (Ally) Kovach (Dylan Gilbert), father, William, sister, Carlene Rocheck (Michael), sisters-in-law, Margaret Gartland (Paul), Genevieve Atkins, (Jack), brother-in-law, Dominic Minnillo Jr, nieces Samantha Brewster, Kayleigh Rocheck, Katie Gartland, Marisa Minnillo, and nephews, Ryan Gartland, Shane Gartland, Enzo Minnillo, Joey Minnillo and "Big Daddy" Dylan Rocheck. He is a proud great uncle of eight. He also leaves behind a huge circle of friends and golf buddies, many who have been friends since childhood.
Christopher was born in Cleveland, OH, but moved to Cherry Lane in Brunswick with his family when he was nine. His school years were filled with visiting grandparents in Pennsylvania, playing baseball, both on the BYS summer league, and on the Blue Devil's high school team, singing in the Brunswick High School show choir, bowling for the high school, and beginning his life-long love affair with golf. The greatest loves of his life were his wife, daughters, and his many cats throughout his lifetime. He had a quick wit, a gentle teasing way, and a huge heart. He loved Christmas with a childlike wonder and had a list of holiday movies that he had to watch at least once during the season. He also was an avid Hallmark Christmas movie devotee and loved watching them all year long. He was Elf long before Will Ferrell, and he loved displaying multiple Christmas trees from early November through February. He never wanted to take them down. He was always excited to shop for Christmas presents for his family and eventually took on nearly all of the Christmas and birthday shopping for everyone in his immediate and extended family. He loved choosing just the right gift for everyone he loved. Chris was a lover of golf, the Guardians, playing cards and games online, and Charlie Brown and Snoopy. He always bought a Peanuts card for his loved ones on every birthday. Chris worked at Basista Furniture in Parma for many years. He was a school bus driver for the city of Brunswick for 25 years. He had many little fans who loved being on his bus, and he was always showered with gifts from grateful parents. Chris also ran his own business, cleaning and sterilizing draft beer lines in restaurants and bars. Chris was an accomplished golfer who played with his dad, and his close-knit group of friends. He typically golfed outdoors every Sunday in good weather, then moved to indoor golf during the winter. He enthusiastically and meticulously planned all of the many golf trips he took with friends and family to Myrtle Beach, and southern Ohio. On March 27, 2022, he became one of the rare golfers to get a "hole in one" on hole number five at the Wild Wing Plantation golf course in Conway, South Carolina. His love of golf was second only to his love of the beach. He was never happier than when he was on his strip of sand in Myrtle Beach enjoying a Bud Light or a Lemonade and Vodka and going to all of his favorite restaurants. He was an avid music lover with eclectic taste, but his favorite genre was the Eighties. He was a creature of habit in many ways, but he knew what he liked and didn't pretend to be anyone else. If he loved something or someone, it was pure and true. He had dreams to retire to Myrtle Beach, play golf in Maui and spend lots more time with his family and friends. It is a tragedy that he did not get more time to do all these things, but he never felt sorry for himself, or questioned why he was dealt such a horrible hand. He remained positive and hopeful throughout his battle despite his many setbacks. He rarely showed fear and exhibited humor, bravery and "grace under pressure."
The family will welcome friends on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 12-7p.m. at Waite and Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Rd, Brunswick, Ohio. A memorial service will be held the same day at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.waitefuneralhome.com.