Art was one of my first colleagues when I returned to Pittsburgh in 1997 and it was always a good day if Art was working. He was gentle and hilarious and very smart. When I began taking my kids to  see him in the office, he had  a wonderful skill of making me feel as though I knew what I was doing. I am sorry for his family's loss, and for the loss he leaves in the world.

Just heartbreaking news. A fellow NYer (his voice was the voice of "home"), he was a total mensch and cared for our four kids, especially Daniel and Ethan. When I brought Daniel in after his bris, he pointed and said "Rabbi Nadoff."  I said "Yes, how did you know?" 
He said "Because its poifect," in an exaggerated NY accent that he knew I would appreciate.  He called Ethan, "Ethy," and it stuck. He genuinely loved the kids.   Warm and caring and funny.   Loved him.   I was a far better parent because of him. Far too young to depart this world, and we are the poorer for it.   Wishing his family and colleagues comfort in the days ahead.

Dr. Kovel was our (now 19-year-old) son's first pediatrician, whom we met in the hospital when I was a medical student about to become a pediatric resident; he was on call and rounding in the nursery. To two nervous parents, his calm and reassuring demeanor could not have been more appreciated. To me as a future pediatrician, he seemed to epitomize the kind of doctor I hoped to become. I am so sad to hear this news and send deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I am so sad to learn of this loss.  Art was a devoted pediatrician and all-around wonderful person.  I have known Art both professionally and a very little bit socially as our sons played together when they were children.  He couldn't be a more special human being who exuded integrity and compassion in so many ways. 

Dr Kovel showed me around the office when I was pregnant with my son in 2001. I liked him so much, so my mind was made up then and there. I would only see him, except for the rare times we were there for a sick visit and he wasn’t in the office. I loved that when I brought one of my kids, he’d ask about the other. He knew that I work at Children’s too. He called us his “regulars” once lol

 Our first visit with someone else was in August for my daughters 14 year checkup. I missed him, it was so strange.  My son turned 18 in October, and is doing really good. I would’ve loved for Dr Kovel to have seen/known that.  Derek would’ve been showing him his new tattoo.

I cried when I found it. He was a good man and a great doctor. Pittsburgh had lost a good one when he left for NY. Now the world has lost a good one.  

To his his wife, children, & grandchildren- my deepest condolences. God bless and keep you!

Art was one of my favorite community attendings when I was a pediatric resident at CHP in the 1990s. He was always kind and patient, and taught me so much. I learned about the "meningitis belt" in Africa from Art, among many other pearls of pediatric care. It was immensely gratifying to reconnect with him after I moved back to Pittsburgh 5 years ago. He was consummate Pittsburgh pediatrician and will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family. 

My daughter post on FB...This man saved my life when I was literally pretty much lifeless. Every parents worst nightmare is to have your preemies breathing machine going off. I was born 27 weeks 3 days gestation 2lbs 7oz. I was sent home at 3 months old with breathing machines, oxygen the entire preemie work up as I had 3 holes in the upper left chamber of my heart. I was originally under Dr. Wolfson Sr.’s care and Dr Kovel was just starting out as a pediatrician. He read my file and was fascinated by my complex medical condition and the obstacles that I had already overcome for such a little tiny human. One day my machines started sounding off at home repetitively. My parents phoned Children’s Hospital and were told my machine sounded as though it was malfunctioning and that they should call the manufacturer. They did not like that answer they knew it wasn’t the machine. While on the phone being told it’s not me it’s the machines Dr. Kovel overheard my parents frantically trying to advise the medical professional that they didn’t think it was the machine. Dr Kovel got on and spoke to my parents in that small few minutes my machine went off over 8 times. Dr Kovel told my parents to hang up the phone and meet him at Children’s Emergency Room ASAP! As they intubated me I wasn’t crying, I was falling asleep. I was limp, I was lifeless. Every parents worst nightmare. Luckily because of Dr Kovel I am still here today. I was so disappointed when I called Bass Wolfson Pediatrics when I got pregnant with Olivia only to hear he would be going back to New York in June 2019. My heart broke that he would not be able to be my daughters pediatrician. Today my father called me to tell me Dr Arthur J Kovel departed this world. A wonderful physician, a great person. He truly cared about his patients so much so that he took it fully to heart when I transferred my part of my care  to a woman at 12 years old. 
Thank you for being the greatest Dr I have ever known. Rest easy Dr. Kovel.

Artie was always family to me, and his Aunt Natalie and Uncle Yankel. He will be remembered always. May he rest in peace. Love to Cindy, Dan, Joe and Sam.

His patients and their families adored Dr. Kovel, as did the staff at Bass Wolfson Pediatrics. I loved working with Dr. Kovel, he was so knowledgeable and always willing to teach and answer our questions. I enjoyed talking about the latest sports headlines with him. Us nurses could always count on having breakfast if Dr. Kovel was working that day because he would always bring in the best loaves of bread, and we would say that he was up early baking again. I have to be honest I thought for the longest time that he was truly getting up at like 3 am and baking bread, we all knew he was an early riser. I can still picture going into the office and seeing him standing at his computer at our workstation, he will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Dr. Kovel
Sincerely,
Melissa Hanlon, RN 


Art was my cherished friend, a partner, a work "brother", and a mensch.  He was a dedicated physician to many children and families.  The most tragic loss is the time that he will not have with his family together again, in New York.  With Love, David Wolfson

OBITUARIO

Arthur J Kovel

10 abril, 1952 – 1 abril, 2020

I. J. Morris Funeral Directors

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