Steve Kovalchik, 86, of East Petersburg, PA, passed away at his residence on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

He was the husband of Madalyn L. Chicarell Kovalchik, with whom he would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this September 25th. Born in Windber, PA, he was the son of the late John and Anne Cebenko Kovalchik.

Steve had worked for 23 years as a millwright for Armstrong World Industries until his retirement in 1984.

He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he served as an infantryman in the European Theater, being wounded by mortar fire in the Battle of the Huertgen Forest. He was awarded the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Steve was a charter member of VFW Post 4795 in Windber, was a member of American Legion Post 134, and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Assn.

He enjoyed hunting and playing golf.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 3 daughters Carol married to James Dufrene of Lake Charles, LA,  Marcy married to Frank Waltos of Windber, and Lisa married to Bruce Sullenberger of Pequea; his 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his  sister Olga Kovalchik of Windber.  He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers Walter, Michael, and Joseph, and 2 sisters Mary Miranda and Pauline Kellenberger.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 6-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 11AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA. Interment will be on Friday at 12Noon at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery is Windber, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Steve’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral and Crematory 560-5100