Joseph M. Kovacs, 84, a longtime resident of Oregon, Ohio, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Toledo, Ohio on August 8, 1926 to Michael and Sophie (Danko) Kovacs. Joe enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. He served aboard the U.S.S. Hanover, a transport ship which was active in the Pacific Theater. While serving in the Navy, Joe trained as a boxer. Following his military service, he returned to Toledo and graduated from Waite High School in 1947. 'œSmokin Joe' was active as a Golden Gloves boxer during the late 1940'™s and early 1950'™s and then coached novice boxers about the finer points of the sport. He was a lifelong bowler at Toledo Sports Center, and also enjoyed coaching younger bowlers in their formative years. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and boxer, Joe Louis. Joe was employed with C&O Docks as a longshoreman for 30 years, retiring in 1990. He was a proud patriot and a proud veteran. He was a member of VFW Post 9963 in Walbridge, Ohio. He considered the post to be a home away from home. Much of his time was spent there with his friends, fondly known as the 'œOld Farts Club'. Joe was inducted into the Birmingham Hall of Fame in 1994, for his boxing achievements. He was a proud blood donor and a member of the 50 Gallon Club of the American Red Cross. Joe is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters, Kim (P.J.) Wood and Kyle (David) Heinl; son, Kirk ( Patricia 'œDede'); grandsons, Cole Snider and Drew (Kelly) Wood; brother, Jerry (Terry) Kovacs; sister, Jeanette Berg; and sister-in-law, Jane Kovacs. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mickey, John and Jim; and sister, Virginia. Friends may call at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Wednesday, February 16th from 2:00-8:00 pm where VFW services will be held at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Mercy St. Vincent Hospital or a charity of the donor'™s choice. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Lutheran Home at Toledo Assisted Living, Mercy St. Vincent Neuro ICU, Critical Care, and Palliative Care Unit for the care and compassion they gave Joe. www.eggleston-meinert.com Visitation: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 2:00-8:00 pm VFW Service at 7:00 pm Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home 440 S. Coy Road Oregon, Ohio 43616 Services: Thursday, February 17, 2011 11:00 am Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home 440 S. Coy Road Oregon, Ohio 43616 Interment: Lake Township Cemetery