Edward F. Covert

1930 - 2016

Covert, Edward F.

Edward Frank Covert, 86, passed away on November 5, 2016 after a long illness. Born on March 16, 1930 he was a lifelong resident of Kirkwood belonging to one of the oldest Kirkwood families. Ed was predeceased by his parents Frank and Leota Covert, his in-laws John and Ilene Vaseleck, his son Edward M. Covert, sister-in-law Kay Milligan, brothers-in-law Joe Blatchley, Jack Vaseleck, and Bill Vaseleck. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Joan M. Covert, daughters Gayle and Marchie Diffendorf, Theresa and Jim Guinan and Phyllis and Mike Thompson, grandchildren Kelley Diffendorf, Jim Guinan and Michele Gillespie, Karen Torres, Dan and MeLing Guinan, Scott Thompson and Andy Thompson and his great grandchildren with whom he loved to play "the dollar game" Drew Garrehy, Jack Torres, Sydnie Guinan and Kyle Garrehy. He is also survived by his sister Anna Blatchley, brother Gary and Carol Covert, sister-in-law Bobbi Vaseleck, brothers-in-law Jim and Gretchen Vaseleck, Michael Vaseleck and Patrick Vaseleck, several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as good friends and neighbors the Jenkins Family. Ed served in the Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service he was employed by Links and later as a storekeeper for NYSEG until his retirement in 1993. He was a life member of the Kirkwood Fire Company, joining in 1948. He served as chief for 22 years, the longest tenure of any Kirkwood Fire Chief. He enjoyed regaling us with "Kirkwood Stories" and was a member of the Kirkwood Historical Society. Ed was a sportsman. He played football and baseball in his early years and hunted for most of his life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed making golf clubs for family and friends. He shot a hole-in-one in a tournament on August 22, 1997. The family would like to thank the staff at Ideal Senior Living Center, Rose Court, for their patient and loving care. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4 to 6 pm and on Friday from 1 to 1:30pm at the THOMAS J. SHEA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 137 Robinson St. Binghamton. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 1:30pm at the Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Kirkwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Ed's name may be made to the Kirkwood Historical Society PO Box 37, Kirkwood, NY 13795 or the Kirkwood Fire Company 297 Main St. Kirkwood, NY 13795.