Walter Kovalchek

Walter A. Kovalchek, 84, of Thurmont, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Frederick Memorial Hospital.  Born on September 13, 1933, in Heilwood, PA, he was the son of Kasper Kovalchek and Katherine (Kompardo) Kovalchek.  He was the husband to Dolores June (Handel) Kovalchek and Veronica Ann (Tyszko) Kovalchek, both of whom preceded him in death.

Walter was a successful and accomplished electrical engineer, having received two Masters Degrees from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  He worked at the former Bendix Corporation and later for The Raytheon Company.  Mr. Kovalchek earned an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, having served during the Korean War.  Upon his retirement, Walter established a successful wedding photography business, Kovalchek Wedding Photography.  Mr. Kovalchek was a parishioner at St. Anthony Shrine and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, where he was a very active member, serving the Church in many ways.

By the faith demonstrated by Mr. Kovalchek, his family and friends know he is with the Lord in Heaven.

He is survived by his children: Walter Kovalchek and wife Darlene, Cheryl Metzdorf and husband Franklin, Terri Smith and husband Robert, Diane Eisemann and husband Steven, Laurie Samples and Kieth Salamon, Pamela Dekowski and husband Robert, Robin Kovalchek; step-children: Barbara Joyce Ayd and husband Patrick, Phyllis Ann Hopkins; and son-in-law Edward Chelchowski.  He is also survived by 18 grand-children and 11 great-grandchildren.  He was expecting the arrival of his 12th great-grandchild in July.  In addition to his parents and both wives, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Kovalchek and a step daughter, Helen Louisa Chelchowski.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 East Main Street, Thurmont.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 26 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Shrine Parish, 16150 St. Anthony's Road,  Emmitsburg, Father Collin Poston, celebrant.  Entombment is private at Parkwood Cemetery, Baltimore.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 100 Painters Mill Road, Suite 800 Owings Mills, MD 21117.