Obituary of Kenneth Stephen Kovacs

Kenneth Kovacs, Age 89, formerly of Elmira, most recently residing in Clinton, NY, peacefully passed on Sunday, April 25, 2021, with his sons at his side. Ken was born on Valentines’ Day, 1932, in Rahway NJ. He was raised in Fords, NJ by his Hungarian immigrant grandmother. Ken received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Norwich University. This is where he met Christine (Culver), his loving wife of 43 years. His commission in the U.S. Army, led to his proud service in Germany, where his eldest son, Stephen, was born. His two younger sons Mark and Matthew were welcome additions to the family after his return stateside. Ken had a distinguished engineering career of over 30 years, retiring from Corning Incorporated in 1992. His strong Catholic faith gave him great strength in life. As a child he served regularly as an altar boy during daily morning Masses. Later in life he became a Eucharist Minister and was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Elmira. His faith and devotion provided him a great comfort during his wife’s illness and passing. Ken became active in the Corning Senior Center where he enjoyed group travels and dances. It was there he was fortunate enough to find a new partner in life. He and Roxanne Reed enjoyed 18 years of companionship. Ken was preceded by his wife, Christine in 1998 and survived by Roxanne Reed of Horseheads, NY; sons, Stephen of Louisburg, NC, Mark of Utica, NY and Matthew of Rome, NY; granddaughter Jessica, and great grandson Samba. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ken on Monday, May 24, 2021, 11:00 a.m., St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 Broad Street, Horseheads. Military honors will be accorded Ken outside of the church immediately following the Mass. His final resting place will be Chandler Gray Cemetery, West Yarmouth, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 225 N Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Special thanks to the caring staff at the MVHS Saint Luke’s Campus, Lutheran Home Cottages, and the tireless visits and spiritual care by Deacon Paul Lehmann.