George Kovacs
February 28, 1943 - June 09, 2026
Visitation: Tuesday, June 16th from 2-4 & 6-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229
Service: Wednesday, June 17th at 11AM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229
George J. Kovacs, Age 83, of Ross Twp. a beloved father, grandfather and teacher, passed away on June 9, 2026 at the age of 83. Born on February 28, 1943, George was a lifelong Pittsburgher who dedicated his life to the enrichment of young minds. He spent over 30 years as an elementary school teacher (primarily 3rd-grade), at Ohio Township Elementary within the Avonworth School District. He was always of good cheer, a funny light in the world, always quick with a unique sense of humor that made you laugh.
George devoted his life to education and to the students whose lives he helped shape for more than three decades. After earning his teaching degree from Slippery Rock State College in the mid-1960s, he began a career that would leave a lasting impact on generations of families. Known for his patient nature, engaging reading circles, and hands-on approach to teaching math, science, reading, and cursive writing, he believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives. To generations of students, he was a kind and steady presence who taught not only academic fundamentals but also confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. He was beloved by his students and their families, many of whom maintained relationships with him long after leaving his classroom. Over the years, he taught multiple generations of the same families, eventually welcoming the children of former students into his classroom, and later taking great pride in seeing many of those students return as fellow educators. Even throughout his retirement, George found immense joy in watching his former students graduate, build successful lives and careers, and contribute to their communities, knowing he had played a small part in their journeys.
Beyond the classroom, George was known for his generous spirit, quiet acts of kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community. An avid gardener, he took great joy in tending his garden each year and sharing its bounty with others, often leaving paper bags filled with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini on neighbors’ doorsteps. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether mowing a neighbor’s lawn during the summer or clearing driveways after winter snowstorms. His thoughtfulness and selflessness made him a beloved presence in the neighborhood. George also enjoyed traveling, particularly his trips to Las Vegas, where he looked forward to spending time with family and friends and creating cherished memories. His kindness, generosity, and warm heart touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Sue Kovacs.
Survivors include his son, Matthew James Kovacs; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Lynn Kovacs and beloved granddaughter, Audrey Rose Kovacs of Long Beach, CA; and his brother James John Kovacs along with numerous nephews, nieces and their children. He leaves behind a profound legacy of kindness, curiosity, and a deep love for the city of Pittsburgh.
Friends and family are welcome to gather and celebrate George’s life on Tuesday, June 16th from 2-4 & 6-8PM at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at 11AM.
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To Mr Kovacs family,
Mr Kovacs was my 6th grade teacher at Ohio Twp Elementary, in 1971. I remember him well. Working as a mail carrier in my early 30’s I was delivering mail one day to Club Julian. As I opened the door, he was coming out. I instantly recognized him, and he first said, “Hi Terry!” I told him I was amazed that he remembered me, and especially my name after all those years, and students that he had since! Ive told this encounter to many since then. Very impressed and will never forget.
Sorry for your loss.
Terry Thomas
Prayers to George and all his family. We so miss the surprise tomato plants and friendly greetings as you walked around the neighborhood. May you rest in peace!
A great family friend who was always giving. Rest well.
What a great friend to so many people. A true Pittsburger with a heart of gold. Fun loving to all he met! Lots of fun memories. Love u George. See u in heaven!🙏
Mr. Kovacs was one of my favorite teachers at Avonworth Elementary. He was always kind and always funny. Not only was I a student of his I was a student teacher under his guidance. I learned a lot about how to not only teach but also to care about the students you are in charge of. What a great man and great teacher he was.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Mr Kovacs was such a forward-thinking teacher. He introduced us to BASIC programming in 3rd grade. Nobody else was doing that so early. I owe him so much.
George was a wonderful and kind man that I am exceptionally grateful to have known and will carry his memory with me always. I was a caregiver for him during the last 6 months of his life at Ridgecrest. Please accept my sincerest condolences and may you find comfort and joy knowing he lived a very blessed, full and rich life.
Matt,
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mr. Kovacs was my third grade teacher and still have fond memories of his support and kindness many decades later. He saw a picture of me in the local newspaper in my first job after college and he took the time to write me a letter to congratulate me and wish me well. Was surprised he even remembered me but he was that kind of teacher and person who never stopped caring and supporting his students. Lucky to have known him!
When I think of George I will remember his kindness and sense of humour and his caring so much for others. Deepest sympathy to Matt,Becky, and Audrey and Jim
George, your loving kindness and compassion, your sense of humor, and your happy go lucky self will always be remembered and bring a smile.
My heartfelt sympathies to Matt, Becky, and Audrey and Jimmy.
Love, Cousin Janice and family
Mr. Kovacs was everything you’d hope a 3rd grade teacher would be, and when taking EDUC classes at the collegiate and graduate levels, I wrote about him often when faced with prompts about teachers I admired, who made a difference, who inspired me. We so enjoyed being in his presence because he made us feel seen, smart, and important from the moment he greeted us at the bus, to math class, to recess.
Rest easy, Mr. Kovacs, and know that memories of you are some of my very most treasured from childhood.
Mr. Kovacs was my 6th grade teacher, his first year at Ohio Twp. We would love to go to the mall and see him working at the pet shop. He was the best teacher and my all-time favorite.
Good buddies at Club Julian, and occasional Bucco games. Rest in Peace, George.
I’m sorry to hear I Mr Kovacs passing. He was my teacher at Avonworth elementary school back in the 70s and he was wonderful. So kind and patient, a favorite of all the students.
I had him in elementary school I enjoyed him as a teacher and my condolences for your loss
Thank you Mr Kovacs for being a great man and a great teacher at Ohio twp elementary way back in the 70s. RIP
Mr Kovacs was my 6th grade teacher and was hands down one of my absolute favorite teachers of all time. RIP
I really loved George.
He was my favorite teacher and I was fortunate to be his student teacher.
His kindness, patience, enthusiasm, and constant joking with the students during classroom and non classroom time like bus and recess duty formed me.
During my entire career I would catch myself channeling George’s silly quips and friendly teasing of the students.
He had the perfect balance of control, respect from students, and the comfort to tease him back.
Now THAT was an educator!
Mr. Kovacs was a very good teacher and even a better. Learned much from him way back in ’71 6th grade. Prayers to the family.
George will be greatly missed. Such a fine and welcoming man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We are sure that George is spreading his joy in Heaven and happy to reunite with Kathy.
Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for all the help over the years. From building a deck to wrangling a snake in my house I could always count on you. The neighborhood hasn’t been the same without you. Can’t wait to see you again in heaven