Obituary for Matthew J Kovats
Matthew J. Kovats, 97, June 30, 2019, devoted son of the late Josephine and the late Joseph Kovats; loving brother of Irma (late Ed) Wells, Mary (late Steve) Eckert, Josephine (late Rudy) Petti and the late Rose (late Ed) Marks; fond uncle of 10, great uncle of 16 and great great uncle of 12.
Matt was born in Chicago and was a graduate of St. George Grammar School in 1936 and Englewood High School in 1940. Following his high school graduation, Matt worked for American Can Company and Duro Metal Products until he was inducted into the army in 1942. He served his country proudly during WW II as a radio operator with the 103rd Signal Corps Division, also known as the Cactus Division.
Upon returning home from the war in 1945, Matt was employed by Hector Electric as a journeyman electrician. He also took classes on television repair and soon became the unofficial neighborhood TV repairman. By 1948, Matt went to work as an electrician for Ward Baking Company where he remained for 32 years until the company closed it doors. As a proud veteran, Matt was a part of the neighborhood gentleman that organized the Fred Zeppelin American Legion Post and was named Commander of the Post.
Matt enjoyed bowling, golfing, photography, traveling and fishing and continued these activities in his retirement. He often fed the ducks stale bread that he brought home from Wards while fishing in his favorite spot in Dundee on the Fox River. Matt still found time to work at Creative Industries in his retirement years.
Catching annoying squirrels in his yard with his homemade squirrel cage and then relocating them was one of Matt’s favorite pastimes. He also attended many local dances over the years and was a definite favorite of the ladies…but no one could catch him.
Matt moved to Peace Village Retirement Community in 2004 with his sister Irma, and eventually his other sister, Mary joined them. Matt was active in the Peace community, joining a computer program and then becoming a building representative and member of the resident council.
Matt will always be remembered for his patience, kindness and generosity. He was always ready and willing to give a helping hand. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Family and friends will gather on Friday, July 5, at Our Lady of the Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, from 9 a.m. until Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions greatly appreciated to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, www.mercyhome.org.
Please visit MATTHEW KOVATS BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Arrangements by CENTRAL CHAPELS, Chicago. Info., 773-581-9000.
Matt was born in Chicago and was a graduate of St. George Grammar School in 1936 and Englewood High School in 1940. Following his high school graduation, Matt worked for American Can Company and Duro Metal Products until he was inducted into the army in 1942. He served his country proudly during WW II as a radio operator with the 103rd Signal Corps Division, also known as the Cactus Division.
Upon returning home from the war in 1945, Matt was employed by Hector Electric as a journeyman electrician. He also took classes on television repair and soon became the unofficial neighborhood TV repairman. By 1948, Matt went to work as an electrician for Ward Baking Company where he remained for 32 years until the company closed it doors. As a proud veteran, Matt was a part of the neighborhood gentleman that organized the Fred Zeppelin American Legion Post and was named Commander of the Post.
Matt enjoyed bowling, golfing, photography, traveling and fishing and continued these activities in his retirement. He often fed the ducks stale bread that he brought home from Wards while fishing in his favorite spot in Dundee on the Fox River. Matt still found time to work at Creative Industries in his retirement years.
Catching annoying squirrels in his yard with his homemade squirrel cage and then relocating them was one of Matt’s favorite pastimes. He also attended many local dances over the years and was a definite favorite of the ladies…but no one could catch him.
Matt moved to Peace Village Retirement Community in 2004 with his sister Irma, and eventually his other sister, Mary joined them. Matt was active in the Peace community, joining a computer program and then becoming a building representative and member of the resident council.
Matt will always be remembered for his patience, kindness and generosity. He was always ready and willing to give a helping hand. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Family and friends will gather on Friday, July 5, at Our Lady of the Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, from 9 a.m. until Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions greatly appreciated to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, www.mercyhome.org.
Please visit MATTHEW KOVATS BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Arrangements by CENTRAL CHAPELS, Chicago. Info., 773-581-9000.