Vincent R. Kovalik, Sr.
Vincent “Vin” Kovalik was born on February 18, 1948 in Bridgeport and passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on March 2, 2024, at Bridges in Trumbull. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 49 years, Patricia, and both his sons, Vincent, Jr. and Michael.
Vin and his two brothers and two sisters grew up in Lordship and attended local schools. He graduated from Bullard-Havens Technical High School in 1966. About a year later, Vin enlisted in the US Navy on September 19, 1967. He received training as a medical assistant, and he eventually reached the rank of Hospital Corpsman, third class (HM3). For the majority of his active duty, he proudly served on the USS Seattle. He was honorably discharged on September 17, 1971. Notably, during a tour on the Mediterranean Sea, Vin was honored with a Letter of Commendation for helping save the life of a gravely wounded Greek citizen, who had been injured in a severe accident at sea.
While serving in the Navy, Vin married the love of his life, Pat, on September 20, 1969. After returning home, Vin continued his medical training and worked at the VA Hospital in West Haven and eventually would become an RN, when he graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 1981. During that time, the family grew with the addition of sons, Vincent, Jr. in 1973, and Michael, in 1979.
Vin spent most of his nursing career at Norwalk Hospital as an operating room RN, where he worked from June 1981 until he retired in December 2016. During his career, Vin was among the first nurses to be trained and to use the DaVinci Robotic Surgical System, an innovation in surgery first introduced in 2000. To honor his dedication as a nurse, Vin was presented the Florence Nightingale award on April 30, 2009. For over two decades, Vin worked an additional full-time job as a private duty nurse for an elderly man who was not only a patient, but became a dear friend, until his passing in 2001. Vin included his friend in family holidays, his sons’ sporting events, and treated him with the utmost devotion and care.
In Vin’s spare time, he loved to shop – antique stores, flea markets, bargain stores, clothing stores, and, perhaps his favorite, Christmas Tree Shops. He also enjoyed hosting family for holiday meals and decorating their family home in Stratford, CT, where his sons attended high school. Anytime he wasn’t working, he was rooting for the Bunnel Bulldogs, and his boys’ sporting events. In his later years, Vin enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, Nate and Gabe.
Vincent was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann (Ventulett) Kovalik; his son, Vincent Roger Kovalik, Jr.; his son, Michael Robert Kovalik; his parents, William Kovalik and Jean (Petitte) Baxter; and his sister, Patricia (Kovalik) Gertz. He is survived by daughter-inlaw, Cynthia Kovalik-Cobb, her husband, Jeremy Cobb, and grandsons, Nathaniel and Gabriel Cobb; sister-inlaw, Kathy (Rich) Kovalik, and nephew, Nicholas Kovalik; sister, Mariann (Kovalik) Myers; brother, William Kovalik (Diane); brother, Leonard Kovalik (Debbie); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service celebrating the lives of Vin and Pat will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main Street, Stratford, CT. Interment immediately to follow at Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cub Scout Pack 74, c/o St. Joseph Church, 1300 Stratford Road, Stratford, CT 06615. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences.