Mikovich, Victor
ROTTERDAM — Victor Mikovich, 91, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021, at Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Vic was born in 1929 in the coal mining town of Nesquehoning, Pa. He was the sixth of eight siblings born to Esther (Ferko) and Michael Mikovich. He played football and basketball in high school and was named a First Team All-state player in both sports. He was also inducted into the Carbon County Athletic Hall of Fame. Vic was a standout student in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society, and he attended the University of Pennsylvania on a football scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the Wharton School in 1951.
He continued to play football when he enlisted in the Navy and became a member of the Naval Great Lakes Bluejackets football team. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, he spent 23 months on active duty as a supply officer during the Korean War. He was a first lieutenant when he was honorably discharged.
Vic worked as a salesman with the Permacell Tape Company. He was very successful in sales but had always wanted to teach high school English, as he was inspired by his own high school English teacher’s enthusiasm and encouragement. He attended the University at Albany where he earned his Master of Education degree. Vic combined his love of football and high school English when he was hired with the Mohonasen Central School District to teach English and coach football. He met his future wife Janet at Mohonasen. He later completed his certificate in administration from the University at Albany. He spent two years as chairperson of the English Department before becoming principal of Mohonasen High School for two years. He briefly returned to his first love in education, the classroom, before finishing his career as principal of Draper Middle School in the Mohonasen District. Vic was a beloved teacher, and many former students called, wrote and visited throughout the years, often citing him as a favorite teacher.
Victor possessed an unyielding faith in God and was a devoted lifelong friend. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Zeppieri Mikovich; his beloved children, Kathryn (Edward) Redman, Karen (John) Digiandomenico, Lisa (Scott) Cutting, and Susan (Dr. Patrick) Cooley. He is also survived by grandchildren, Emily Redman, Jenna and Kate Digiandomenico, and Kate Digiandomenico, Victor and Jackie Cutting and Loretta, Patrick Jr., Elizabeth and Susanna Cooley, and Carla Blazosky; and godchild and niece. Several nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and great-great-niece and nephews survive also. Victor was predeceased by his brothers, Michael, George and Carl Mikovich; and sisters, Helen Potosky, Marie and Elizabeth Mikovich and Theresa Bretzik.
Due to COVID-19, calling hours will be private. A public Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 24, at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace in Rotterdam. Interment will take place in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Victor’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York at www. alz.org/northeasternny or 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY, 12205.
To leave a message or memory for the family, please visit Demarcostonef uneralhome.com.