Istvan (Steve) Kovacs, 73, of Ashland, KY ascended to heaven on 2/5/2021.
Steve was born to Ilona Hart and Istvan Kovacs on April 9, 1947 in Budapest, Hungary. As a child of Christian faith, he actively participated in church services as an alter boy. He found his love for soccer at an early age and it was his greatest passion. He went on to play professional soccer in Hungary and later served in the Hungarian military. After fleeing Communist Hungary in the early 1970’s to build a better life for his future family, he immigrated to California.
Steve met his wife Katalin Zalay in 1981 while he was back in Hungary to visit. They married later that year and went on to have 2 children, Steven Kovacs (1983) and Christina Kovacs (1988). They moved to Ashland, KY in 1993 where they resided since then.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Steve also had a passion for building things with his hands. He loved to innovate, build and construct anything he could. Steve had a deep love for coaching his favorite sport, Soccer. He coached at all levels; middle school, high school, and collegiate. This was one of his greatest talents, and he had a passion to help anyone perfect the sport he loved so much. Throughout his entire life he held an unwavering faith in God, which sustained him and guided his family. His Hungarian heritage was very special to him, and he had a gift for telling stories about his grand adventurous life and his family’s time in the monarchy.
Steve joined his mother, father, and grandparents in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Katalin, his two children, Steven and Christina, and his sister Suzanna Taylor.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later time due to family constraints. Please contact anyone in the family if you would like to be notified for the service.
Exodus 23:20
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Steve’s memory should be directed to King’s Daughters Health Foundation, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel
To share a remembrance of Steve or to express a condolence to his family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.