Gene Kovarick

Gene Kovarick lived 94 years on this Earth and enjoyed a beautiful marriage with and is survived by Bobbi (Barbara Dobrovocky), his bride of 63 years. He passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022 of natural causes. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Millie Kovarick and brother Bud Kovarick. Besides his wife he is survived by loving children James (Donna) Kovarick, Paul (Cristina) Kovarick, grandchildren Lindsey (David) Dumas, Anthony (Hannah) Kovarick, Anna Kovarick, Lauren Kovarick, and Casey Kovarick, and brother Frank Kovarick. Family and friends describe him as a kind, gentile, and a dedicated family man.

Gene was born in Endicott and grew up in Union Center. During his youth he stayed busy working on his family’s farm growing items like potatoes and corn and taking care of the farm animals and tractors. A graduate of Union Endicott HS in 1946, he continued his education as one of the first Broome Technical School graduates. He enlisted in the Army during WWII and served in Japan. He then worked for IBM as a Maintenance Technician for 34 years.

He met Bobbi (a nurse) while visiting his mother in the hospital. They married, raised children and in retirement enjoyed traveling on cruises with Bobbi’s sister and husband Joan and Ron Trelease. Gene was paramount in guiding his two sons Jim and Paul. He participated by being a Boy Scout leader and was a master craftsman when building pinewood derby cars. He reinforced Jim’s passion in motorsports and Paul’s love of baseball. The glove he used to play catch with Paul must have been from the Babe Ruth era. He was so happy to see his grandchildren wed, Lindsey and Dave virtually and Anthony and Hannah in person. Gene also dedicated himself to providing lifelong assistance and companionship to his brother Frank Kovarick.

A huge passion of his was cars. He was proud to own one of the first Porsches in the triple cities. His fun car in the 60’s was a 1965 Mustang. He really wanted a manual transmission but he bought an automatic so Bobbi could drive it. He enjoyed going to see the U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen with his sons and Frank. He rarely missed a Formula One race on TV.

Gene lived a wonderful life and his presence remains in the hearts of all who knew him and will always love him.

A service for family and close friends will be held 11 am Saturday, November 5th at Riverhurst Cemetery, 2500 East Main Street, Endicott, with Full Military Honors.