The Rev. Paul Kovacs, 79, went to be with the Lord April 4, 2009.

 

A long-time and beloved member of HRFA is sorely missed, particularly for his leadership in the Hungarian community.

Rev. Kovacs was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Nadudvar, Hungary, son of Paul and Judith (Bakoczi) Kovacs. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter, Edith Miller. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Edith (Buch) Kovacs; loving children, Paul T. Kovacs, Ligonier; Eva M., wife of Douglas Nace, Georgia; Ruth A., wife of Andrew Jost, New Jersey; and Daniel, married to the former Jennifer Lentz, Indian Lake; grandchildren, Alexandra D. Miller, Alexander P. and Christopher D. Jost, Gwendolyn J. Nace and Patricia D. Kovacs; sisters, Judith Flasdiech, Germany, and Emese Hernadi, Hungary; brother, Andras Nagy, Hungary; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Rev. Paul Kovacs graduated from Debrecen Reformed Theological Seminary, Debrecen, Hungary, making him the 17th generation minister. For 10 years he was a missionary in Uruguay, where he built a church to serve the Hungarians in the community. In 1970, he moved his wife and five children to the United States where he served as a minister for both the Johnstown and Windber Hungarian Reformed Church. In 1972, Rev. Kovacs relocated his family to Sharon, where he served as a minister at the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church for four years. In 1976, Rev. Paul Kovacs accepted the position as the executive director and chaplain of the Bethlen Nursing Home of Ligonier. Serving the Bethlen Home for 23 years with love, dedication and vision, he was instrumental in establishing the independent living cottages. In 1999, he retired, only to return to the first church that brought him to the USA, the Johnstown-Windber Hungarian Reformed Church, until he passed away. Rev. Kovacs enjoyed traveling to Hungary to visit relatives and the places he loved so much. He looked forward to annual fishing trips to Canada with his sons. His sense of humor and wit will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rev. Paul Kovacs loved spending time with his family and they thank the Lord for the wonderful father he was. The Kovacs family would like to thank everyone who assisted him with prayers and especially Windber Hospice for the incredible care and support they provided. 

(Excerpts of this notice were published in the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)