Mark W. Kovacik, 56, of Suffield Township passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family on November 30, 2018 following a short five week battle with cancer.
Mark was born on March 18, 1962 to the late William and Jettie Kovacik, and he was a lifelong resident of the Akron area. He was a graduate of Kenmore High School and the University of Akron, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology.
Left to cherish Mark's memory are his beloved wife of 32 years, Brenda, and the true lights of his life his daughter Carly of Seattle, WA, and his son Aaron of Huntington, WV. He will also be deeply missed by his only brother, Randy (Karen) Suggett, his sister-in-laws Linda (Jerry) Joyner and Terry Simmons, and his 10 nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his wife's parents, Mona and Dale Kratzer.
Mark worked at Summa Akron City Hospital for nearly 37 years as a research associate. Mark was exceedingly proud of his work there which included performing clinical trials, co-authoring many publications, training medical residents to perform research, and most importantly, improving care and outcomes for patients. His colleagues truly became a second family to him and he genuinely loved his work.
During his children's years in the Field school system Mark served as coach of a variety of their sports teams, and he could always be counted on to be on the sidelines cheering them on. He truly loved them, believed in them, and brought out the best in them. He will always be their hero, their beloved "Dadman".
Mark will also be lovingly remembered by countless others as a treasured friend. With Mark as your friend you could always count on him to make you laugh, to tease you, to debate with you, but most importantly to always have your back. He was loyal, loving, generous, and fiercely devoted to those he loved - friends and family alike.
Mark enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Buckeyes and the Browns, and he called fouls from his chair better than any referee. He also loved anything with a motor, but most especially his bright blue 2016 Corvette. Above all else, he loved traveling with "the lovely Brenda" and visiting and spending time with Carly and Aaron.
Mark was truly an exceptional man who was loved and respected by many. His passing leaves a void that cannot be measured and will never be filled. He will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
The family would like to thank the staff of 4 West and 3 East at Summa Akron City Hospital, as well as Dr Melissa Soltis, for the incredibly compassionate care Mark received in his final days.
Friends and family are welcome to call on Wednesday, December 5th from 4 to 8 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home at 131 N. Canton Rd. , Akron. Funeral service on Thursday, December 6th at 1:00 PM. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park to follow.
Memorial gifts in Mark's honor may be made to the Summa Health Palliative Care Fund or Nursing Education fund, 525 E. Market St Akron, OH 44304.