Paul Steve Kovacs

KOVACS, Paul Steve
June 30, 1938 – February 20, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Paul Steve Kovacs on
Feb 20, 2024.
Paul was born in Ukk, Hungary to Lajos and Ilona Kovacs. Paul
immigrated to Canada as a refugee during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He
settled in Fort Erie and attended George Brown College and did his apprenticeship
at Weinmann Electric where he requalified as a Master Electrician. During the
1960’s Paul began working as an electrician at General Motors, St. Catharines
where he worked in Preventive Maintenance. Paul met his wife Mary Speck at the
Welland Hungarian Hall, they married in 1963. Together Paul and Mary enjoyed 60 years of marriage filled with love, humour and compromise. Paul is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Ilona (Brian - predeceased) and is now reunited with his beloved son Steven (Sandra). Paul leaves behind his loving grandchildren Andrew (Nicole), Alexandra (Brian), Zach, Katie and Alexie (Wade), and his adoring great grandson Jasper. Paul was a much loved and special Godfather to Alex, Ian, Andy and Krista. He leaves behind a brother Louis (Janet-predeceased) in Fort Erie, George (Susan)in Szekesfehervar, Eva (Tomas) in Siofok in Hungary and their families. He also leaves behind his Family in Mezobereny Hungary. Paul was also a dear friend, adopted grandfather and Pali Bacsi to many who loved and appreciated him for his principled ways. His many leadership roles will be remembered by the Hungarian communities of Fort Erie, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. For many years Paul managed the Hungarian Szittya Dancers in St. Catharines. He was also a founding member of the Cifra Hungarian Folk Dance Camp in Niagara Falls. Throughout his life Paul had many passions including Military History, Hunting, and Target shooting. He was a very active member of the Niagara Regional Sportsman Gun Club and served as president. Paul was also the treasurer of the Niagara Falls Military Museum and spent many hours volunteering with these organizations. Many thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, and to his family doctor Dr. A. Lepp.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous and loving support from all our friends and neighbours over the past two years. Though Paul is no longer with us in person, he will be remembered for his intelligence, interesting stories, kindness and generosity.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Hungarian Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, 111 Second Street, Welland, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate in Paul’s honour please send it to St. John the Baptist Hungarian Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, 111 Second St. Welland, L3B 4T8.

Arrangements entrusted to the Hulse & English Funeral Home, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines

In Hungarian, I believe it is spelt Pal Istvan Kovacs.