Donald Kovalchik

Donald P. Kovalchik, 83, of Akron, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2014, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. Born on July 8, 1931 in Robins, Ohio, where he spent his formative years, Don graduated from Community High School in 1949 and attended Kent State University, where he majored in Chemistry. A proud patriot, he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant before leaving the service. A long-time resident of Akron, Don was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 32 years before retiring in 1991. He was a fan of sports of all kinds and enjoyed officiating high school football and basketball games. Among his many hobbies and interests were euchre and other card games, square dancing, Sudoku, camping, fishing, basketball and tennis. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball. During his retirement, he was an avid golfer and reader of fiction. Don was a member of Firestone Park Presbyterian Church for 30 years, where he served as Elder and Deacon. Especially proud of his Slovak heritage, he enjoyed cooking and baking traditional dishes for his family and friends. He took great pride in his family, including his wife of 62 years, Mary Kovalchik; children, Christina (Michael) Douglas, Lynn (Patrick Liles) Chapman and Rebecca (Phillip) Barger; and grandchildren, Aaron Douglas, Abby Douglas-Hickerson, Alissa (Robert) Bachtel, Austin Liles, Leigh Liles, Jacob Barger and Sarah Barger. He also leaves a treasured great-grandson, Landon Hickerson, extended family, and many close and loving friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 31, at Firestone Park Presbyterian Church at 3:30 p.m. Friends and family are invited to call 30 minutes before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Don's name to In lieu of flowers; contributions can be made in Don's name to a favorite charity