Kosta S. Tegovich, 97, passed away on March 7, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kosta was a kind, caring man who was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was born in May, 1920 in the village of Jankovec, FYR Macedonia. He emigrated to the US on the Queen Mary in 1938. Kosta enlisted in the US Army and became a US citizen in 1942. He served as an anti-aircraft artillery operator, landing on Normandy Beach and fighting bravely in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
He learned hairdressing on the GI Bill and opened his own salon, Mr. Kosta’s. He later worked as a convenience store manager before opening his own grocery store, Village Dairy, with his wife Irene in 1970. Following retirement, they drove throughout Europe and across the US many times before moving from Massachusetts to Arizona in 1990.
Although he always maintained his Eastern Orthodox and European traditions, Kosta was proud to be an American Veteran, especially when he was awarded the Medal of Honor to commemorate his participation in the Allied Assault Operation Overlord by the Ambassador of France and former Congressman John Shadegg in 2002. For many years, he was an active member of the VFW. Kosta was devoted to his extended family and enjoyed playing chess and bingo, shooting pool, hosting family dinners, and telling stories about his adventurous life.
He was predeceased by his parents Sterio and Vasilikia, his sisters Irini and Marika, and his brother Mihail. Kosta is survived and deeply missed by his beloved wife of 47 years, Irene, his three children with his previous spouse Ida (deceased), Christina, Elaine, and Steven, his sister Flore, his nieces, nephews and cousins. His family extends much gratitude to his dedicated, compassionate Home Health Care Team and the hospital staff of the Veterans Administration.
Arrangements will be handled by Dignity Memorial and services will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, March 14 at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona.
