William Kovacs

Mr. William J. “Bill” Kovacs, Sr., age 64, of Westmoreland, passed away on Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Albany Medical Center with his loving family by his side after a brief illness. William was born in Utica on May 5, 1947, the son of the late Carl and Gladys (Rakowski) Kovacs. He was raised and educated locally, a graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. On April 4, 1970 he married the former Barbara A. Olsen with whom he shared 42 years in a union filled with beautiful memories. Bill built his career as a Correctional Officer at the Midstate Correctional Facility, an occupation he loved. He would have celebrated his 30th anniversary of employment there this June. His longtime co-workers agree that he was always pleasant in a very demanding occupation, and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He handled his job gracefully, didn’t want to retire, and was an all-around good guy who considered his co-workers his extended family. At home, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. All of his children were proud of the traits and values that he passed down to them. A known “gadget man”, he was a Mr. Fix-It who could fix a car or anything around the house and had a compulsion to purchase “As-Seen-on-TV” products. Bill had a good supply of batteries on hand to power his extensive flashlight collection. During his spare time, he enjoyed target shooting, and fishing. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughters and son-in-law, Carla and Peter Burnham of Utica, Jennifer Davies, Georgeanne Kovacs, Kaitlyn Kovacs, and Gabrielle Kovacs, all of Westmoreland; his son, Will Kovacs, Jr. of Westmoreland; and his grandchildren, Madison Burnham, Alex Burnham, Lia Davies, Philly Davies, and Nicholas Mizerak. In addition, he leaves his “adopted” sister, Jan McClean; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Barbara Kovacs, and Gary and Susan Kovacs, all of Utica; in-laws, Patricia Bailey of Hornell, NY, Sharon and James Jacobs of Deerfield, Candie and Walter Sienczenko of Vineland, NJ, Lola and Richard Houle, Deborah Olsen, and G. Stuart Olsen, all of Utica, Michael Olsen and Lori Stauring of Whitesboro, and John (his fishing buddy) and April Olsen of Deerfield; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and “the special cousins.” The family greatly appreciates the professional care, patience, and compassion of the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Albany Medical Center Medical Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, especially acknowledging Anatoliy. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes from 2:30-5:30 at which time the family will prepare for Bill’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence at 6:00 p.m. with his Mass of Christian Burial with Full Military Honors offered by Rev. Lucas Koslowski. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

William Kovacs

May 5, 1947 - April 5, 2012