John R. Sovak

1938 - 2015

John Robert "Bob" Sovak, 76, of Penn Hills, died after a long, hard battle with COPD on Oct. 23, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. The son of the late Dorothy and John T. Sovak, he was born Nov. 8, 1938, and was preceded in death by his beloved son, Robert "Bob" Sovak (Melissa); and his brother-in-law, Byron Kemmerling. Bob is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of 56 years, Lois; and his children, D'Ann Stanford (Clifton) and Michael Sovak (late Kim Coleman). He is the proud "Pap" to Corey and Christopher Stanford, Emily and Megan Sovak and Justin and Lindsey Sovak; also survived by his sister, Barbara Troglione (Joe); brother-in-law, Edward Borkowski; sister-in-law, Edna Kemmerling; and nieces, Glenda Kemmerling and Leslie Smith (Chris). Bob graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1957 and joined the Air Force. Upon his discharge, he worked at Mine Safety Appliance for several years before beginning his own business, East Suburban Medical Supply, in 1979 and several years later, Sovak and Miller Auto Repair. Some of his happiest years were spent with his friends at Cohills Bar on Rodi Road. His passion was golf and enjoyed the game with friends at Alcoma (Three Lakes) in Penn Hills. An infamous day in his life was July 10, 1988, when, at Seven Springs Golf Course, he made a hole-in-one. The family would like to thank Bridges Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Azalea Drive, Monroeville. Arrangements were entrusted to: TRENZ FUNERAL HOME INC., Penn Hills.