Samuel A Kovacevich

August 7, 1935 - Jan. 31, 2018

GRANGER - Samuel A. “Sam” Kovacevich, 82, passed away on January 31, 2018 following an illness. Sam was born in South Bend on August 7, 1935 to Stella and Savo Kovacevich, who preceded him in death. On March 9, 1957, in Santa Ana, California, he married Carole Ann Hook, who survives, along with his daughter, Deborah (Timothy) Hileman of Parker, Colorado; grandson, Blake (Samantha) Kovacevich of South Bend, and two great-grandsons. His son, Michael Kovacevich preceded him in death. One of eleven siblings, Sam is also survived by a sister, Ruth Dunbar of South Bend, brother, George of South Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sam was a graduate of Riley High School and served his country in the United States Navy Reserve. He enjoyed a long career in the auto body repair business, joining Karl Weis Auto Body Shop in 1960, becoming president and co-owner in 1968, and retiring in 2009.

Sam was active in numerous organizations throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #235 in South Bend, serving as the Lodge's Exalted Ruler in 1967. Sam bowled on the Elks League for decades and also served as president of the Elks National Bowling Association. Sam was president of the Independent Garage Owners Association, a trade organization in which he was active for many years. He was a member of the Roseland Rotary Club, the Italian-American Heritage Society of Notre Dame/Michiana, and the Masonic Lodge.

Sam was a generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He was a gregarious person who could strike up a conversation with almost anyone with his warm smile and outgoing personality. He will be greatly missed by countless family members, friends, and others who were touched by his kind heart and giving spirit.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday, February 5 in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 6 in the funeral home. Sam has been cremated in accordance with his wishes. A private interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2018

jmc 4 feb 2018