Peter Kovats
Posted By Families Firstcare On September 28, 2023 @ 11:29 am In Obituaries,Uncategorized | 10 Comments
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/ [1] .
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.
Offer Condolence for the family of Peter Kovats [2]
[3] Print This Obituary & Condolences [3]
Condolences for the family of “Peter Kovats”
Mary I am so sorry to hear about Peter. So happy your move to Savannah gave him time for sailing. If there’s a lake in heaven, Peter is already busy teaching others to sail!
I am so sorry Mary! I have many memories of Peter. I had many the opportunity to sail with him on Peter Pan and whatever boat crossed out paths that day. I even got to sail with Peter in Savannah. He had an immense passion for sailing; it was wife number 2, maybe number 1 or definitely close to Mary. Both Peter and Mary lived sailing. What joy to have known Peter und a prosit! in Himmel bist du!
Such a loss.
Glad to have known you Peter!
You brightened my world of sailing.
So sorry for your loss Mary.
💚💚💚💚💚
For me (and undoubtedly to others) Peter was the brother I never had. His patience, deep knowledge, and balanced world view coming form hard earned wisdom was palpable when you were in his space. His passion for sailing, interest and deep understanding of world history stemming from personal experiences set him apart. However, Peter was the legend that some of us had no chance to fully meet.
Mary, we are all grieving with you.
Kelllemes vitorlázást amíg találkozunk megint, bátyám! (Pleasant sailing until we meet again, my brother!)
Dear Mary-
I wish I could be in Chicago for the memorial but I know you will be surrounded by so many that love you both. He was a wonderful, wild human.
Love you.
Molly
Dear Mary,
I’m holding you in my thoughts as your move through the coming weeks and months. To do so without Peter by your side is a tough reality to imagine. But, oh what a love story. I will miss this dear, sweet, quietly sassy soul.
Mary I am so sorry to hear about Peter!I hope you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched, all the adventures you shared and memories of the love you had for each other. The angels have led him into Paradise!
Mary we are sending you and your family our deepest sympathy for your lose we can’t imagine your pain we are here for you , time heals all pain Peter is an Angel that will watch over you now.
Johnathan and I send you lots of love
Mary,
So very sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you and sending my condolences.
Laurel
Article printed from Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center Savannah, Georgia: https://www.familiesfirstcare.com
URL to article: https://www.familiesfirstcare.com/peter-kovats/
URLs in this post:
[1] https://juddgoldmansailing.org/donate/: https://juddgoldmansailing.org/donate/
[2] Offer Condolence for the family of Peter Kovats: https://www.familiesfirstcare.com/peter-kovats/#respond
[3] Image: https://www.familiesfirstcare.com/peter-kovats/print/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2016 Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center. All rights reserved.
We are shocked & VERY saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. My husband & I met him when we bought a Rhodes 19. Peter helped us put new ribs in Yellow Dog (later Red Line). He was such a helpful, gentle soul who will be missed by my husband & myself & undoubtedly by many others. Our deepest regrets.