Bernard Covitch, 96, Ebensburg, passed away Thursday, almost exactly one year after his beloved wife, Ruth.
He was born in Cassandra, son of the late Mary and Jacob Covitch.
Surviving are his devoted children, Pam Cotlar (Ken), Michael (Sandra) and Ellen Hahn; as well as seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who knew him as "Pop Pop."
Bernie graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria High School in 1934 and earned a bachelor's degree at Penn State University, where he played violin in the symphony and, more importantly, wooed his sweetheart, Ruthie. The two married in 1943 while he served as a captain in the U.S. Army, and they shared a lifetime of love for travel, fine dining and even finer friends and family. He was an avid runner, a hobby he started in his 60s.
Bernie was the "son" in J. Covitch & Son clothing store, located in the heart of Ebensburg for nearly eight decades. After years of service to the community, holding offices in Victim Services, Kiwanis, Ebensburg Area Business Commission, Ebensburg Country Club, Young Peoples Community Center and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, he was inducted into the Cambria County Business Hall of Fame in 1997 and awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from St. Francis College that same year.
A gathering of friends will be held from 9 a.m. until the 10:15 a.m. funeral service today, Sept. 14, 2012, at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg, Rabbi Josh Wohl officiating. Interment will be at Agudath Achim Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Cambria County Historical Society or DOROT, an organization that enriches the lives of homebound seniors.
