Peter Kovats, 1949-2023, died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 28th, 2023 in Savannah, Georgia, with his beloved Mary at his side.
Peter was born in Hungary. At three weeks old, his father, Imre Kovats, was deported to a Communist concentration camp. Upon release, his father spent a few years with his family in Hungary before he fled to Austria. Sixty years ago, Peter, his mother, Jolan Kovats, and his brother, Imre M. Kovats, joined their father in Austria. Several years later, Peter’s path led him to Chicago, where he lived most of his life.
Peter was a gentle soul with a twinkle in his eye who wished, like Peter Pan, to “never grow up.” He loved sailing, Lakes Balaton and Michigan, the Chicago Cubs, and Hungarian food. His warmth, patience, and kindness made him a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was Uncle Peter to Valentin Kovats, Adrian Kovats, Madeleine Cooney, Daniel Cooney, Lyra Quinlan, Therese Cooney, Montgomery Quinlan, and Grace McCarthy. He was a cherished brother to Mary’s siblings, Denis Quinlan, Peggy Quinlan Cooney, Therese Quinlan McCarthy, and John Quinlan,
Peter was a life member at the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, where he raced with Rhodes 19 Fleet 12 and mentored junior sailors. He spent his final year of life in Savannah, Georgia, sailing with dear friends at the Landings’ Sailing Club.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Quinlan Kovats, brother, Imre M. Kovats, and cousin Endre Kovats. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation https://juddgoldmansailing.org/donate/ .
A memorial celebration for Peter Kovats will be held on Friday, October 6th 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club.
Address:
601 W. Montrose Drive
Chicago, IL 60613.
A second-line procession will commence in front of the yacht club at 6:30 p.m.
Cocktails and snacks will be shared at the yacht club following the procession.
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