Joseph J. Kovatch Sr.

Joseph J.
Kovatch Sr.
Joseph J. Kovatch Sr., 83, of Nesquehoning, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, in Lehighton.
He was preced-ed in death by his wife, Flor-ence (Lack) Kovatch, and a daughter, Marie D. Kovatch.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late John J. Kovatch Sr., the founder of the Kovatch Business, and Anna (Yacapsin) Kovatch.
Joe was the "other half" of the Kovatch Brothers who were responsible for the success of the Kovatch Corporation and KME. He and his brother "Sonny" were partners in many businesses, including Kovatch Buick-Oldsmobile, Kovatch Enterprises and Hauto Valley Estates, Inc.
Joe was a trained mechanic and also branched out to own and manage other businesses, including, Quality Auto Parts, Inc., Kovatch Realty Co., Kovatch Properties and
K Chevrolet-Cadillac/ Kovatch Sales and Service.
He was active in many civic associations, including the Nesque-honing Lions, a board member of the Lehigh Valley AAA, and was a past president of the Lehighton Chamber of Commerce.
Joe loved this area and donated and helped with many organizations in the local communities.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Kovatch-Patton, her husband, Garry Patton, and their children, Alyssa Watkins, Eric Ramos, Ashley Watkins and Eric Patton, and his wife, Lauren; a son, Joseph J. Kovatch Jr., his wife, Angela (Perla) Kovatch, and their daughters, Courtney and Caitlyn Kovatch; three sisters, Helen Homcha, Agnes Barachie and Ann Hanawalt; and many wonderful nieces and nephews and extended family.
He also predeceased by a brother, John J. "Sonny;" and two sisters, Mary Tokay and Margaret Blisard.
Service: Funeral service 6 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning, with the Rev. James Burdess officiating. Interment, private. Call 4-6 p.m. Sunday. Contributions in his name may be made to Marian Catholic High School, c/o the funeral home, 18240. Online condolences can be offered at www.nalesnikfh.com.