Stephen Charles Kovacs, Jr

LAKELAND – Stephen C. Kovacs, Jr. of Lakeland passed away on April 17, 2021 at the age of 88. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey on July 13, 1932. He was a graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Ohio University with a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Mr. Kovacs retired from the United States Army having served in Korea, South Vietnam, and Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Unit Citation, Civil Actions Honor Medal 1st Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Kovacs was a school administrator for the Polk County School Board where he completed his tenure with the school district as Supervisor of Social Studies. Mr. Kovacs was a past Commander and member of American Legion Post 4, a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2505, member of Phi Delta Kappa and Elks Lodge 1291. He was a Catholic and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lakeland, Florida. He is survived by his daughters, Alice (Chuck) Hunt, Lakeland; Margaret (Marvin) Hill, Lakeland; Carol (Eric) Kaplan, Spring Hill; and Teresa Terry, Davie; 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. The Service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lakeland. A private graveside service will follow at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations Give Well Community Foundation c/o Flight to Honor 1501 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803.