Thomas Kovasckitz

Thomas Donald Kovasckitz, 81, died peacefully in the company of family on August 22, 2015 at the white brick house on Main Street, Hope Mills, NC.

Born January 10, 1934 in Tiffin, Ohio, Tom worked as a brick mason following his 1952 graduation from Calvert High School. In 1956 Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Paris, France. There, in 1957, he married his hometown sweet-heart Marlene Rhineberger Kovasckitz.

His devoted wife of 58 years, Marlene survives him as do their seven children; Michael (Dana) Kovasckitz of Cincinnati, OH; Daniel (Julie) Kovasckitz of Charlotte, NC; Donald (Elizabeth) Kovasckitz of Sanford, NC; Diane Kovasckitz of Hope Mills, NC; Sophie Wade of Hope Mills, NC; John (Carol) Kovasckitz of Elkton, MD; and Joseph (Yvonne) Kovasckitz of Hope Mills, NC. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren; Judson, Lucas, Stephanie, Greyson, Vance, Brandon, Emma, Delcie, Aaron, Hannah, Rudy, Zoe, Quentin, Thomas, Kenan, Nora, Maya, and Lily; one great-grandchild Delcie, as well as nieces, nephews, numerous other family members and his faithful pug, Mugsy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents William Joseph and Emma Magers Kovasckitz as well as his older brother William, Jr.

Tom's Army career spanned twenty years and included two tours of duty in Viet-Nam where he earned a Bronze Star. His narrated tape recordings of the 1968 Tet Offensive remain treasured family mementos. He retired as a CW3 in 1976.

Tom and Marlene moved into the white brick house on Main Street, Hope Mills in 1974. There they established the cherished home base for their ever growing family. The grandchildren often call it their favorite place on earth.

He was a founding parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and together with his wife, hand crafted the nativity scene that has graced the church grounds yearly since 1993. Tom's creativity, examples of service and charity, together with his passion for building, design, photography and aviation have shaped the character, careers and interests of two generations.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, August 28 at Pinecrest Funeral and Cremation Services, 4721 Dunrobin Dr., Hope Mills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 29 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 5050 Oak St., Hope Mills. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

The family thanks the staff at Cape Fear Valley Home Care and Hospice for their care and assistance as well as the congregation of Good Shepherd Catholic Church for their loving support.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.