It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Anthony Christopher Kovac, known affectionately by his grandchildren as Papa Joe, who departed this life peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the age of 79 in Douglas, Georgia.
Joseph was born on June 2, 1946, in the Bronx, New York. He went on to join the U. S. Navy where he served his country proudly travelling the world by sea. It was during his years of service that he met and married his beautiful Scottish wife, Janette (Stevenson), in the capital city of Edinburgh in April of 1968, and together they raised four daughters. Joseph would often lament that his happiest years were the years he spent with his beloved wife and young family laughing, loving, and living in bonnie Scotland, his adopted home for many wonderful years.
From Joseph’s stories of life growing up in New York, his adventures and antics in the Navy, or exciting days driving a double decker bus on the busy city streets in Edinburgh, he leaves a lasting memory of a resilient father, a devoted grandfather, and a proud great-grandfather.
Joseph is survived by his sister, Cecilia Kovac of Whitestone, New York, brother, John Kovac of Bradenton, Florida, daughters, Josette (Chuck) Hutcheson of Douglas, Kim (Russell) Dupree of Snipesville, and Ronda Egan of Edinburgh, Scotland; his grandchildren, Jessie, William Jaimie, Hailey, Blaze, Mariah, Mason, Madison, Michelle, Helen, Jemma, Amanda, Ryan, Sean, and Calum and many great-grandchildren that each held a piece of his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Cecilia Kovac, his sister, Katherine Nolan, and his eldest daughter, Joanne McGlynn.
As per Joseph’s wishes he is to be cremated and a small family gathering will be held to celebrate his life and his legacy in lieu of a memorial service. His ashes will be spread in Edinburgh, Scotland along with his wife, Janette, where they can be together in the place that was so important and loved by them. Donations in his honor can be made to the American Cancer Society.