Thomas Kovalchik

YOUNGSTOWN – Thomas L. Kovalchik, 77, of Youngstown’s West Side, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 5, 2025, at home with his family by his side, following complications from a fall in 2024.

Born October 27, 1947, in Youngstown’s “Monkey’s Nest” neighborhood on Crescent Street, Tom was the son of the late William F. Kovalchik Sr. and Mary E. (Pavlakovich) Kovalchik. In 1950, the family moved to the West Heights area of Youngstown, where Tom made his home for the rest of his life.

Tom was a lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Croatian Parish, later Holy Apostles Parish, and now St. Columba Parish. He was baptized and attended grade school at SS. Peter and Paul on Covington Street, where he developed his lifelong love of sports. Tom played baseball for the Youngstown Parochial League before playing football at Chaney High School, where he was named team captain by Youngstown’s legendary Coach “Red” Angelo. Wearing #81, he excelled at both offensive and defensive end positions and earned a spot on the Youngstown All-City Team in 1964, graduating with the Chaney High School Class of 1965.

After graduation, Tom continued his football career at New Mexico Highlands University and briefly at Ohio State University before returning to Youngstown, where he played defensive end for Youngstown State College (now YSU) from 1967 to 1971. In 1971, Tom proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business—an accomplishment he valued deeply throughout his life.

Tom worked as a retail manager for Color Tile and Rite Aid before being hired by Wean United, where he worked as a machinist until “Black Monday” on September 19, 1977, when Youngstown’s mills closed. He later worked for Giant Eagle Foods, where he remained until his retirement in 2015. In addition, Tom founded and operated TK Appraisals, contracting with several banks throughout Northeast Ohio and specializing in residential and commercial real estate appraisals. He proudly kept his credentials current and renewed annually with the State of Ohio until 2024.

From 1982 to 1992, Tom devoted himself to caring for his ailing mother, selflessly putting his own life on hold to ensure she could remain at home.

Tom’s passion for sports never waned. He enjoyed lifting weights, jogging around Mill Creek Park, golfing at Oak Tree Country Club, boating on Lake Erie, and attending every YSU football game he could. A proud YSU alumnus, Tom remained committed to physical fitness well into his 70s, often doing more than 100 push-ups a day.

Known for his strength, endurance, independence, and unwavering work ethic, Tom rarely missed a day of work and resisted accepting help, but he was always the first to offer it to others. Fiercely loyal to those he loved, he lived his life by the mantra: “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.”

Tom will be remembered as a quiet, humble man of principle who never shied away from a fight, a dedicated friend, and an athlete in both body and spirit.

He is survived by his brothers, William F. (Christina) Kovalchik Jr. and Dennis E. Kovalchik; nieces and nephews Kenneth W. Kovalchik (Amy), Michael R. Kovalchik (Karen), Claudine Kovalchik, Robert Kovalchik (Tracy), Jill Kovalchik (James), and David Kovalchik; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William F. Kovalchik Sr. and Mary E. (Pavlakovich) Kovalchik; his brothers, Ronald J. Kovalchik and Kenneth R. Kovalchik; his grandparents, Adam and Johanna (Tatarka) Kovalchik and Michael and Ana (Spelic) Pavlakovich; and his nephew, Timothy J. Kovalchik.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Home Health Care professionals Sally Kettle and Bridget Whitacre, who provided dedicated comfort to Tom in his final year, as well as Compassus and Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home. Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Prayers will begin Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 at 10:15 am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Saints Peter and Paul Croatian Church, 421 Covington Street, Youngstown, Ohio. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.