Obituary of Bernard Covitch

Covitch – Bernard, 96, Ebensburg, passed away Sept. 13, 2012, almost exactly one year after his beloved wife Ruth. Born Aug. 1, 1916, in Cassandra, son of the late Mary and Jacob Covitch. Survived by his devoted children, Pam Cotlar (Ken), Michael (Sandra) and Ellen Hahn. Also survived by seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who knew him as Pop Pop. Bernie was the “son” in J. Covitch & Son clothing store, located in the heart of Ebensburg for nearly eight decades. After years of service to the community — holding offices in Victim Services, Kiwanis, the Ebensburg Area Business Commission, Ebensburg Country Club, the Young Peoples Community Center and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art — he was inducted into the Cambria County Business Hall of Fame in 1997, and awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from St. Francis College that same year. Bernie graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria High School in 1934 and earned a bachelor’s degree at Penn State, where he played violin in the symphony and, more importantly, wooed his sweetheart, Ruthie. The two married in 1943, while he served as captain in the U.S. Army, and shared a lifetime of love for travel, fine dining, and even finer friends and family. Bernie was an avid runner, a hobby he started in his 60s. The family thanks Rebekah Manor, Home Nursing Hospice and special caregivers for their love and support. A gathering of friends will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:15 a.m. Friday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg, Rabbi Josh Wohl officiating. Interment, Agudath Achim Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Cambria County Historical Society or DOROT, an organization that enriches the lives of homebound seniors.