Keith James Kovalic
December 22, 1961 - May 07, 2025
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Keith James Kovalic
December 22, 1961 - May 07, 2025
Obituary
Keith James Kovalic, 63, of Greene Twp, passed away on Wednesday May 7th, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Pittsburgh on December 22nd, 1961, he was the son of the late James and Eileen (Kapsis) Kovalic.
Keith was a graduate of Montour High School and then continued his education at Edinboro University in Music Education. He was the band director at Freedom Area High School for over 30 years where he also taught choir and directed school musicals. Keith loved to encourage students and to support them in their future endeavors. Keith was a member of S.N.P.J. Keith enjoyed fishing, Pittsburgh sports, cruises and hot tubs. He was an animal and travel lover, but above all, he loved his family and friends.
Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Cheryl (Kaminski) Kovalic; his children, Jenna Ellis and Brendan (Wendy) Ellis; grandchildren, Ulysses and Aristotle; siblings, Kevin (Kathy) Kovalic and Karen (Richard) Leaton; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private inurnment at Resurrection Catholic, Coraopolis, PA, will take place at a later date.
The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, was honored to offer guidance and care to Keith and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Keith’s name to an animal shelter or music program of choice.
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18 responses to Keith James Kovalic
Craig Bohon says:
May 13, 2025
To KK’s family,
Thank you for sharing him with all of us. When I first started at Freedom as a young teacher, he was one of the veteran teachers who made me feel part of the team. Many of the great experiences I have had while working at Freedom were times involved with KK.
He got me involved in helping with the school musical where I think he did his finest work. You found a way to pull all the students, staff, parents, volunteers together to put on outstanding shows. It gave me an experience I would have never tried because you convinced me to take a chance….I think your words were “shit or get off the pot”. LOL During the King and I, we got to go with the students to New York City to see The King and I (with Lou Diamond Phillips) and Rent (I though you were going to get us fired for seeing that one). LOL
You invited me to have dinner with your family several times (specifically remember Easter dinner) and the get together when Rusty came to visit.
I got to spend a lot of time golfing with KK and his dad Jim. Always was a great time during the faculty golf-outing each year…….especially when your dad got going at night during cards. LOL Was great fun watching the competitive nature of you and your dad along with Ro.
Fantasy football season was always a lot of fun and you were always in the center of the trade negotiations…usually offering “trash for treasure”. There was the work league and the additional leagues where I got to play along with your family as well. I will always remember you blaming Pete Rozelle for every part of the NFL that seemed a bit fixed or shady.
So many of the classic stories that the “old guard” at Freedom can fondly recall and tell involved KK. So many laughs, good-times, and experiences. KK was a true character with a big personality who impacted so many students over the years. As someone who worked along with you at Freedom, I witnessed your impact on students, colleagues, and families and you should rest easy knowing that you left your mark on this world.
Mark Stetzer says:
June 5, 2025
KK was one of my best friends for over 45 years going back to our high school days. He was one of my groomsmen at my wedding. I will always remember my road trips up to Edinboro to visit KK when he was in college. It was nice getting together in retirement to chat about cruises and Grandchildren. I know he was a proud Grandpa.
My deepest sympathies to Cheryl, Brendan, Jenna, and the rest of the family. Rest in peace my friend.
Stetz.
Judy Meehan says:
June 15, 2025
So very sorry to hear about cousin Keith. We have many many fond memories.
Our deepest sympathies.
Judy and Jim Meehan