The wake for Deacon Joseph R. Kovitch will begin with vespers at 5 p.m. March 30 in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, with Father Peter Morris presiding and delivering the homily. Visitation will continue after vespers until 7 p.m.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will celebrate Deacon Kovitch’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. March 31 in St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Father Bill Bouhall will be the homilist.
Deacon Kovitch, 84, died on March 22.
Survivors include his wife Angela (O’Loughlin), children, grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate for service to the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Anthony Pilla on May 23, 1998 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Deacon Kovitch was assigned to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Mentor, where he served until his retirement on Oct. 1, 2011.
Those who knew him said Deacon Kovitch will be remembered for his dedication and care for those who were grieving the loss of loved ones, for visiting the sick and elderly in nursing homes and for coordinating ministry and service to members of their Church in the City partnership.
Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.