Mark Kovalchuk

Mark Kovalchuk, 66, of North Charleroi, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in the comfort of his home, after a nearly decade long battle with cancer. Born on April 26, 1957, he was the son of the late Maximillion and Marion (Wells) Kovalchuk.

He was a graduate of Charleroi High School and California State College with a degree in Geology. He worked as a commercial painter with IUPAT Local 56, as well as several side jobs for family and friends. He loved helping others with their projects, making things in his workshop and hanging out on his patio watching his fish in his homemade pond. A man of many nicknames, Mark, Gnip, Frank, Alex, Kiesel or Pap always had a smile on his face and was “quick with a joke or to light up a smoke” and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great nieces and great nephews. He spent a week each summer on family vacation in Dewey Beach where he was the “Captain of the Pontoon”. He was a member of the Belgian and Italian Clubs of Charleroi where he was a skilled bowler: 10 pin, duck and GEE.

Mark is survived by his wife, Christine Cardinale, of North Charleroi; sons, Luke (Katie) Kovalchuk, of Belle Vernon, Calvin Kovalchuk, of Charleroi, Brady (Rachele) Kovalchuk, of Rostraver Twp., and Joey Papadakos, of North Charleroi; grandchildren, Novella, Gavin and Calin; brother, Richard (Cindy) Kovalchuk, of Texas; sister, Lorraine (Matt) Veltri, of Valencia, PA; sisters-in law, Adele (Richard) Pireaux, of Fallowfield Twp., and Patty (Norm) Baker, of Fallowfield Twp.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and close friends whom all loved him dearly.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 pm on Friday, May 12 in the CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Saturday in the funeral home with interment following in Sacred Heart Cemetery.