Obituary of Joseph KOVACH

Lake Havasu's First Postman- Dies at 77As the London Bridge was being reassembled in 1969, Joe Kovach was establishing the Lake Havasu City Post Office and delivering the first pieces of USPS mail for the town's Pioneers. More than 37 years later, "Mail Man Joe" passed away on July 6, 2006 while sleeping peacefully in his home. Kovach moved to LHC from Cleveland, OH after He and Rose (his Wife of more than 50 years), fell in love with the desert southwest and the Lake Havasu area specifically. Joe transferred from his post in OH to begin the USPS local branch, and even though it has been 18 years since he retired, many current Postal staff still vividly remember their former Union President. "Joe was a true people person", said former local Postmaster Tom Crawley. "He served the local Union well for many years", Tom recalled. During his 37 years in LHC, Kovach volunteered as a Little League Coach and Boy Scout Mentor. He also was Head of the LHHS Football "Chain Gang" (the guys on the sideline who mark the location of the football) for most of those years. "I don't recall Joe ever missing a Friday night home game, a truly dedicated Parent and good Citizen of Havasu", said former LHHS Principal, Pat Rooney. Joe died of Cancer and is survived by his Wife Rose, and Children Joe Jr., John, Jim, and Kristen. All four of which, went Kindergarten through 12th Grade of the Lake Havasu Unified School District and graduated from LHHS. Joe Jr., remains in Havasu, while John resides in Phoenix, Jim in Virginia, and Kristen is presently serving the US Army as a Defense Contractor in Kuwait. He is also survived by his Brother, Father John Kovach of Whiting, IN and five grandchildren, Brittni, James, Cody McKenah and Blaise.A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2006, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with a Panachida (Memorial Service) held at 7:30 pm at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. Following the Panachida, the VFW Post 9401 and American Legion Post 81 will conduct full military honors. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2006, 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church. Joe's Brother, Father John Kovach will officiate the services.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to Hospice of Havasu, PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.