Joseph A. Kovedi, 93, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022 at Mercy St. Charles Hospital surrounded by his children. Joe was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 7, 1929 to Joseph and Mary (Jakab) Kovesdi. Joe was a U.S. Army Korean Veteran. He retired from Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company.

Surviving are his children, Joseph E. (Robin) Kovesdi, Kathy (Jim) Besgrove; grandchildren, Emee Kovesdi, Lindsey (Chris) Felder, Joseph L (Elizabeth) Kovesdi, Candyce (Adam) Mallett, Derek (Erin) Besgrove, Ashlee Pax, Kendyll (Chaz) Bobbs, and Casey (Lexi) Kovesdi; and 19 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; sons, Gary and Robert Kovesdi.

Private family services will be held at St. Ignatius Cemetery.

Joe was raised in East Toledo where his parents settled after emigrating from Hungary. He spoke Hungarian as a child, but learned English while at Holy Rosary Elementary School. Joe excelled at football and was a starting running back his junior year for coach Jack Mollenkopf at Waite High School. They won a Division 1 state title. His senior year he was a Co-captain and they again won the Division 1 state title. The team and many residents from the east side of Toledo took a train ride to El Paso, Texas where they played the Texas state champions for the national title. Waite won 6-0. He was eventually elected to the Birmingham Hall of Fame. Joe went to the University of Toledo and played football on a scholarship. After his freshman year he was transferring to Washington State University to play football, however, he was then drafted into the Army. He served in Alaska during the Korean War as a radar operator.

Joe was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap. He loved playing golf, where he could be competitive even in his 80's. Joe had 5 holes-in-one and one double eagle during his golfing years.

Joe began working at age 12 when he delivered milk to the East Side of Toledo, first by horse and buggy and later by truck. As an adult he worked at LOF starting as a laborer and rising to a supervisor and then inspector. He traveled around the county problem solving for the newly develop glass coating process.

Joe loved his family, spending time teaching and raising his children. He was married to his wife Dorothy for over 70 years. He loved children and would organize games for his kids, nieces and nephews. Later, he spent time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all loved their Pupa Joe. He created memories that will be cherished forever. His family will miss his jovial laugh, loving smile, and words of encouragement. He lived a wonderful life and is loved by his expansive family.