Stephen Douglas "Doug" Kovach 62 of Denbo, Pa passed away Wednesday January 9, 2019. Born May 20, 1956 the son of Frank "Junebug" Kovach & Sophie Bell Kovach.

Doug graduated from Bethlehem Center Class of "74.

Doug attended California University Of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Sociology & a Master's Degree in Counseling.

Doug was a member of the Kappa Phi Kappa Fraternity.

Doug's exciting & expansive career spanned more than 3 decades.

He started as a Counselor with the Upward Bound Program at the then California State College. From there he went to Centerville Clinic as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor. Doug continued his career at Charleroi Area School District as the Activities Director for the After School Program. From there he went to Fayette County Head Start Program as the G.E. D. Facilitator & Parent Involvement Coordinator. During his 17 years there Doug gained many accolades & awards throughout the National Head Start Program. During his tenure there Doug developed & wrote the Exploring Parenting Training Manual which is used today nationwide. Upon leaving Fayette County Head Start, Doug took the position as Head Start Director for Washington & Greene County under Community Action Southwest. During his 14 years with them Doug elevated the Head Start Program to national recognition as the model program in the country. Doug's passion for helping children and families in need of social services was a driving force behind the man who put those before himself. He also was the first program director to bring Early Head Start & Pre-K Programs to the state. Doug was instrumental in both the Fayette County & Washington/Greene programs to encourage many in the program to pursue education and eventually graduate from college with Bachelor & Master's Degrees allowing them to pursue fulfilling careers.

During his long & fulfilling career with Head Start, Doug received numerous awards & recognitions. Of those is the prestigious Francine Bunch Memorial Award. This is in recognition of his personal achievements & contributions to the Head Start organization at the State & Local Level.

As a Program Director, Doug also served on the Head Start/Early Head Start Federal Review Team & a National Trainer for the Exploring Parenting Curriculum. For the Pennsylvania Head Start / National Head Start Association, Doug served as their Vice President.

As a member of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Doug spent several years working with the chamber and members to help draw new business to the Mon Valley area. For his dedication & love for the community, Doug received the Shining Star Award.

Doug also served on Centerville Borough Council for 17 years where he chaired several committees as well as Borough Council President.

In 1991 Doug & Ernie started their business adventure with the opening of "The Patch House." Not far behind came "113 Pineapple Place." Shortly after that "Pretty Petals" was established & is still a highly sought out floral & gift shop where patrons become family. Upon retirement, Doug became instrumental in the design & display aspect of the business. Many were in awe when attending any Holiday Open House or one of their fun & exciting Garden Club Presentations. Doug touched many lives with his love of people & full of life personality.

Spending time outdoors tending to his flower gardens, traveling to visit family or for pleasure, choosing artwork, enjoying time at the beach and last but certainly not least, Doug loved to cook. He always had some creative dish we could never figure out but was always delicious.

Married June 17, 2014, Doug was most proud to tell people about his husband Ernie and the relationship they shared that spanned 41blessed years. Sharing their adventure, love of travel, family & food with those that came to know them.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Frank "Junebug" Kovach & Sophie Bell Kovach & Father-in-Law Donald Nelson,

brothers Bill, Tom, Edson "Jim", Gerald "Jake" Kovach and sister Beverly Bolin.

He is survived by his husband Ernie Nelson, brother Kenny Kovach & wife Shirley of Denbo, Sisters Pat Pfiler of Medina, OH, Violet "Cookie" Kovach of Bedford, OH, Hazel Hager & Charlie Smith of Denbo, Mother-in- Law Jeri Nelson of California, PA and many Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces & Great Nephews.

Friends will be received Wednesday from 6 – 9PM and Thursday from 1 – 8PM in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, PA where prayers will be said Friday, January 18, 2019 at 9:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM at the St. Katharine Drexel Parish California Campus, California, PA. Interment will be in Taylor Cemetery, West Pike Run Twp. Online guestbook and personal condolences may be accessed at www.greenleefuneralhomes.com.