Joseph Md

Joseph Harry Kovacic, Col. Ret. US Army, died Monday, May 16, 2016 at home at the age of 91. He was a man of faith, gentleness, and humility. Dr. Kovacic was born in Mokronog, Yugoslavia (present day Slovenia,) on September 6,1924 to Joseph and Vida Heferle Kovacic. Immediately upon his graduation from high school he was thrust into WWII and the battle against the communists in his homeland. After the end of the war, Joe attended medical school at the University of Padua. He became an orthopedic surgeon and followed that profession for the rest of his life. His book "Escape from Slovenia" chronicles his life at the end of WWII as a refugee living in the woods of Italy up to the beginning of his professional career as a Doctor of Medicine in the United States. Joe was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 284. He retired from a long career with the US Army in 1987. During his tenure of service, Joe received the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbons, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He met Frances Roush, a music teacher of military dependent children, at Bamholder, Germany in 1965. After a two-year courtship, Joe presented Frances with an engagement ring: it was in a paper bag! The couple was married in Mainz, Germany in June 1967. Joe and Fran lived on military bases in Germany and various locations in the United States. They loved traveling and enjoyed entertaining friends with unforgettable parties. Joe was a true "world citizen" with friends from many countries. He was never happier than when he was sharing wine and his fascinating life stories with friends and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; a nephew, Gregor Kovacic; and several cousins scattered throughout Europe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Memorial Chapel at Fort Lee, 1901 Sisisky Blvd. Interment with full military honors will be at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George immediately following the funeral. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, 2033 Boulevard. A funeral procession to Fort Lee will leave the funeral home the day of the service at 9:45 a.m. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com

Visitation Details

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Service Information

Thursday, May 26th, 2016 11:00am, Memorial Chapel

Interment Details

Southlawn Memorial Park