Stephen George Kovalchik

Steve was born on January 23, 1955 to the late John and Marleen (Shick) Kovalchik of Leechburg, PA. He graduated from Ki ski Area High School in 197 4 and immediately enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Despite his earning the company's "Top Shot" award during basic training, the Corps was more interested in Steve's musical background and assigned him to the Parris Island Band, where he served through 1978. Above Steve's Rifle Expert badge, he proudly wore his National Defense Service Medal (Vietnam War) and a Good Conduct medal-received with the warning, "This doesn't mean you were good .. .it means you didn't get caught!"

After his service, Steve took a more active role in his church, including a function where he danced with a young lady named Fran, a dance that led to a thirty-six-year marriage and lasting memories for the untold numbers who had the great fortune to meet this couple.

Steve made a career of driving 18-wheelers ("This is Papa Bear, gettin' ready to visit the hammer lane!"), operating heavy equipment, and even serving as a chauffeur, where a short ride from the airport made such an impression on Danny DeVito that when the actor later called the limo company to schedule a trip to New York City, he added, "But only if Steve is available!"

Danny's insistence comes as no surprise to those who knew Steve; Papa Bear had an easy smile, a catalog of comical faces, and a talent for mimicry ("We must give this American a wide berth." Wait. Was that Steve or Sean Connery?) Steve can be credited for most of the smile lines on the faces of his friends and family.

Steve's generosity, positivity, faith, and patriotism were an inspiration. He was utterly devoted to his family and generous with his time for anyone needing help, especially if it meant donning his top hat and playing his bass. A Marine to his core, Steve made many trips to his hometown to lead the veterans' color guard and rode his Harley for Rolling Thunder and other functions such as the Welcome Home escort for Vietnam and Korean Veterans.

Once Steve was satisfied that his beard would fit the role, he began traveling with a custom Santa suit and a sack filled with jingle bells, spreading more cheer than anyone would have thought possible.

Besides his loving wife Fran, Steve is preceded in death by his parents, his stepdaughter Margaret, and son Stephen Jr.

Steve will be greatly missed by his children: Ward "Skully" Wingrove, Jeff Wingrove (Maria), Sharon Vielbig (Stephen), Roy Wingrove (Geri), Sandi Hogan, Paula Larkins (Phil), and Mindy Kovalchik (Will); brothers John (Joan), Daniel (Gloria), Michael (Brenda), Thomas (Yvonne), Joseph (Ana), sister Marleen (Kim); and all of Steve's nieces, nephews, and grandchildren (who called him Santa Pappy!) and great-grandchildren.

A viewing is scheduled for May 22nd from 6:00-8:00 pm.

A family-only viewing will be held on May 23rd at 9:00 am. All are welcome to the funeral service on May 23rd at 10:00 am.

Both viewings and funeral will be held at the Church of Latter-day Saints, 500 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20904.

Following the funeral, at 1 :00 pm, a family-only graveside service will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD, 20853.

Steve requested that attendees arrive either in uniform, or sporting red, white, and blue attire.