Edward A. Kovach's Obituary
Edward “Ed” A. Kovach, Jr., M.D.
February 18, 1935 – April 23, 2023
Dr. Edward “Ed” Andrew Kovach, Jr., 88, Dunedin, FL. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Toni. Ed is also survived by his five sons, Eddie, Glenn (Christie), Doug (Karen), Todd (Debbie), Brad; 12 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Ed was born Feb. 18, 1935, in New Castle, Pa., to parents Edward and Helen Kovach. Early in his life he was a “go-getter” and demonstrated an aptitude for leadership.
Growing up in a low-income family instilled a strong work ethic in him. Ed worked many odd jobs to pay for his college education.
Ed was voted class president all four years of high school, and he continued this leadership role as class president of Allegheny college and as an active member of Phi Gamma Delta. After Allegheny, Ed attended Temple University where he earned his medical degree.
While in medical school, Ed went on a blind date and met Toni, who also attended Temple for her nursing degree.
They were married soon after and, after having their first two sons, Eddie and Glenn, moved to Florida. Ed served in the U.S. Public Health Service for two years in Jacksonville, Fla., where sons Doug and Todd were born.
After fulfilling his military obligations, Ed and his family moved to Dunedin, Fla., where he joined the founding group of Mease Hospital, specializing in family medicine and assisting in surgery. Ed’s youngest son, Brad, was born here.
Ed spent long hours building his family medicine practice, but always found time to devote to his sons’ extracurricular activities and staying active in the community. He served as the Little League President, was involved with the Our Lady of Lourdes Home and School Association and was instrumental in erecting baseball field lights at Clearwater Central Catholic High School.
Ed built his home in Spanish Trails in 1966 and, in his backyard, one of the first tennis courts in Dunedin. Soon after the court was completed, he invited his friends and coworkers to enjoy days filled with tennis, food and, most importantly, a steady flow of beer and wine.
Ed’s favorite hobby was fishing, which kept the family’s freezer full of fresh seafood. His favorite fish was a snook – his familial nickname was “Snooky,” which, by coincidence, was a derivative of the Polish nickname his grandmother gave him.
Ed and Toni enjoyed fishing in Dunedin as well as their second home in Pine Island, Fla. They also traveled to Islamorada every summer, where they fished and spent time with family and friends.
The family also visited many ski resorts across North America, and took a cross-country road trip to California. Later in life, Ed and Toni traveled the world – Greece was Ed’s favorite destination.
Ed was also an astute businessman and frequently acquired multiple investment properties in the area.
Ed suffered a massive heart attack in 2003 after returning from a Superbowl party the night the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the championship. He required triple bypass surgery at Morton Plant hospital.
Following this, Ed required a heart transplant which he received at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. He underwent a total of 23 procedures, which gave him 20 additional years with his loved ones.
Ever the medicinal scholar, Ed often commented he would publish a book about the procedures he endured. He frequently communicated its underlying message: to maintain a fighting spirit and to tackle any issue with a positive attitude, regardless of the obstacle.
Next-door neighbor and longtime friend, Dr. Fred Ionata, wished to add, “We have lost a very remarkable man.”
Friends and family will remember him as a devoted father, a great provider and for placing his family as his number-one priority. He will be missed by all.
Ed's Funeral Mass will be on June 3, 2023, 11AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698
Ed's Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, June 4, 2023, 1-3 PM at Countryside Country Club, 3001 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33761
The family requests an RSVP by May 24. If you will be attending, send an email to [email protected]
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