John L. Kovacs, 76, Had a Passion for Cars

He was born October 18, 1940 in Lorain and had been a lifelong area resident.

John graduated from Lorain High School in 1958. He worked at the Ford Assembly Plant in Lorain in the cushion department and in maintenance retiring in 2004 after 46 years.

John was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain and a past member of church council. For over 26 years, he bowled in the St. Michael Holy Name Society bowling league. He enjoyed watching his son bowl, attending air shows and watching planes fly near his home. He had a passion for cars having raced at Norwalk Raceway, attending car shows and collecting diecast car replicas and Matchbox cars.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years Karen Kovacs (nee Repko); children: John R.S. Kovacs (Becky) of Elyria, Anthony M. “Tony” Kovacs (Sharon) of Sheffield Lake, James L. Kovacs (Sarah) of Independence, Missouri, Dena Sims (Marvin) of Atlantic Beach, Florida and Jay Smith of Neptune Beach, Florida; grandchildren: AJ Kovacs, Preston Smith, Kayla Smith, Elliott Smith, Jay Smith, Jeffrey Kovacs, Danielle Smith, Conner Smith, Zachary Kovacs and Shawn Smith; 5 great grandchildren and brother Joseph Kovacs (Rosalee) of Amherst. He was preceded in death by his son Elliott Smith in 2016 and parents Joseph & Mary Kovacs (nee Toth).

The family will receive friends Friday October 13 th from 2:00-4:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 295 College Park Dr, Elyria. Funeral services will begin on Friday at 4:00 pm in the church. The Rev. Laurie Miller, pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain, will preside. Cremation will follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo- Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.

Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3323 Pearl Ave, Lorain, OH 44055.