Leonard J. “Lenny” Coval
Leonard J. “Lenny” Coval, 80, of Allport, Pa., passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
Lenny was born on March 11, 1941, in Philipsburg, Pa., to the late Andrew and Zelma (Bratton) Coval.
He was a 1959 graduate of the former Morris Township High School.
He was blessed to be married to Patricia (Socash) Coval for what would have been sixty years on August 26, 2021.
Anyone who knew Lenny could say he was a true leader and unofficial mayor of the town, always volunteering to make the community a better place. He had the biggest, most generous heart for everyone he crossed paths with and always was there to lend a helping hand, which earned him the nickname of “Mother” during his younger days.
He was past president of the West Branch Area Men’s Softball League, helped to bring a beautiful sports complex to the area, and most recently secured donations and dedicated many hours to bring a new playground to the Allport Community Park.
Lenny worked for the Philipsburg Police Department for six years and was the last living member of their full-time police department. He also worked as an enforcement officer for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for thirty years.
An avid sports fan, Lenny was most proud of his membership and induction into the Clearfield County Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. He especially loved spending time with his family at Penn State Football games and tailgates, attending West Branch sporting events (especially wrestling matches) and watching Penn State wresting and NASCAR. He loved playing softball in his younger days as a pitcher and went on to serve as deputy ASA softball commissioner and ASA umpire. He also loved American Legion baseball and was a past announcer for the Philipsburg American Legion. In addition, he served as Pit Steward at the Clearfield Speedway for many years.
A friend to all, Len liked to be part of as many community organizations as he could. He was Past President and member of AFSCME Local #1976, President of AFSCME Retiree Sub Chapter #8304, Life Member of the Bald Eagle Lodge #51 Fraternal Order of Police, member of Lincoln Club, and Senior Warden/Secretary/Treasurer of the Ashcroft Cemetery Association at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hawk Run, in which he was a lifetime member and his home away from home.
Adored by his family, Lenny’s greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather and is survived by children David Coval and wife Wendy, Centre Hall, PA; Sheri Waldman and husband David, Gilbertsville, PA; Tina Ruberto and husband Greg, State College, PA; and beloved grandchildren Heather Waldman Weitzner (Steve), Trevor Waldman, Jared Waldman, Alyson Ruberto Nese (Rob), Jenna Ruberto; step grandchildren Cody Nolf (Jennifer), Kyle Nolf (Samantha); five step great grandchildren; and a brother, William Coval.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Rosyln Ruberto; and a brother, Donald Coval.
Len is also thankful for Lynne Mandel and Laurie Voinchet, who have always treated him like a father. The family would also like to thank Lacey of 365 Hospice for her care and support during Len’s illness.
Due to the current Covid-19 climate, the use of masks and social distancing will be required at the funeral home visitations and church service.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg. A Fraternal Order of Police Ritual Service will be held on Thursday, at 7:30 pm, at the funeral home.
An outdoor socially distanced celebration of life will be held at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 270 Whitman Street, Hawk Run, on April 23, 2021, at 1pm, with Rev. Fr. Cliff Johnston and Rev. Fr. William Walker, co-officiating.
In honor of Len’s love for Penn State, please feel free to wear blue and white.
A private interment at Ashcroft Cemetery and reception will be held for the immediate family following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lenny’s memory to The Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, PO Box 23, Hawk Run, PA 16840.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
