John J. “Sonny” Kovatch Jr. departed this life on Saturday, January 29, 2011 in the comfort of his home in Nesquehoning at the age of 85.
A lifelong resident of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, he was the founder of several companies bearing his name that today are now global leaders in specialty vehicle manufacturing. During a career that spanned more than six decades, Sonny went to great lengths and much sacrifice for his community, employees, country, and always his family.
After returning from serving in the Pacific during World War II, Sonny opened a small auto repair shop. In partnership with his brother Joseph and with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the business quickly grew into auto and truck dealerships, and then into vehicle remanufacturing for large military contracts. In the mid-1980’s, Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp (KME) was created to begin the manufacture of new fire apparatus. Today, the business he founded is the largest family held fire truck manufacturer in North America and still growing and his son John J. Kovatch III is CEO and President of the company. Many of his children and grand children also work within the company carrying on his philosophy of hard work and commitment to a family operated company that puts its customers and employees first.
Kovatch was not only a great businessman; he also truly cared about improving the quality of life in his community. Through his land development company many businesses and services were brought to the Borough of Nesquehoning including a large supermarket, community college and other manufacturers located in the Green Acres Industrial Park. In fact, over the last several years Sonny was working on bringing solar power to the area with one of the largest solar park developments in the country coming to the region because of his efforts.
“My father was a true American success story. He loved what he did and had a passion to build a legacy that will continue to positively affect our lives for generations to come,” said his son John J. Kovatch III.
The Bruce A. Nalesnik funeral home in Nesquehoning is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Monday, January 31 in the evening from 4 pm till 8 pm at the St. Francis of Assisi church in Nesquehoning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church in Nesquehoning on Tuesday, February 1 at 10 am followed by interment and a luncheon reception at KME.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John “Sonny” Kovatch Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit local students and can be sent to the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240, 570-669-9898.
St. Francis of Assisi is located at 140 West Mill Street, Nesquehoning, 570-669-6321