Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Forty years! I was the driver the assailant collided with while running from the officers. 17 years old driving home (two blocks away). March 1984 permanently imbedded in my memory. Condolences.

Marlon A. Turner

July 10, 2024

Patrolman Kovach,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cleveland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 11, 2024

May you rest in peace in Heaven, Officer Kovach.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 11, 2024

NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 58 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 11, 2024

May God and St. Michael continue to watch over you in Heaven, Officer Kovach. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 13, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 58 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 11, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Kovach.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 31, 2020

Stephen,
While we never met, Sgt. Dave Rutt, RIP, spoke of you often. Your picture was by his desk and I know how much he missed you.

As he missed you, I miss Sgt. Rutt, and my fondest hope is that the three of us can sit around a fire, have a beer and share a story.

Ralph McGreevy
Producer of Crimestoppers Case Files with Sgt. Rutt

May 17, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 54 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 11, 2020

Steve and partner Dave were 2 of the nicest guys I’d encountered as rook in the 3d. Steve was just flat out a nice guy, treating a rookie, not even on his shift, like a friend. I was sitting with Daves brother when news hit, delivered by a shiftmate. We had lost other mates prior, but had never lost a friend at that point. Steve, you will always be remembered by this guy, and thank God Dave was able to stay with us. Thanks for being you Steve, a darn fine person.

Sgt. (ret) Steve Ryan
Cleveland Police Dept

April 13, 2018

I will never ever forget my friend Steve Kovach. We worked together at the Payne Ave station as Cleveland Police Cadets in 1971-72. We attended classes together at Tri C too.

Retired Detective Robert Jaksa
Eastlake and East Cleveland Police Departments.

April 3, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach of the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio and the additional 53 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 11, 2018

Steve, I can’t believe it is going to be 34 years this March 11, I think of all the good times we had on and off duty. I will always remember our meeting for coffee at Captain Franks on night shift with you and Dave when I was working for GCRTA Police. I think of you guys often. I hope you and Dave are together again remembering the good times. God Bless and keep you both.

Det.Ben Gentile Retired
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

March 5, 2018

My name is Helen L Stephens (Bobulsky) I served on the Linndale Police Department from 1974-75. I later became their Clerk Of Courts and Council. I met Steve Kovach after he served with the Linndale Police. He was a wonderful person let alone a dedicated Police Officer for the Cleveland Police Department. Watching the funeral procession of the two Westerville Police Officers on Saturday, February 10, 2018 brings back the sad memories of Steve giving everything including ultimately his life to protect the lives of the citizens of the City Of Cleveland. May God always Grant Him Eternal Memory and Peace. I will never forget him and give Memory and Prayers to his Family and Friends to this day, Monday, February 12,2018. ☦️

Former Police Officer Helen L Bobulsky
Friend from The Village Of Linndale

February 12, 2018

My name is Marlon A Turner USAF retired Veteran.I was 17 when briefly Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach and paths crossed briefly. Heading home that March night 1984 I was t-boned by that criminal who with his selfish decisions of pure evil took your young life. Thou we never met (the memories of that dreadful night still haunts day in day out)! I will never forget you!

Marlon a. Turner
U.S. Airforce Veteran

October 10, 2017

My Uncle Steve loved being a police officer. He was a great guy and I would love to see how he would have changed with the times... but that was taken from him by a criminal in 1984. My mom (his sister) is now with him and I hope they are enjoying their time together. My mom missed him so much over the years... more than I think she showed us kids. I miss them both.

Daryl Chiletz
Nephew

July 12, 2016

Diane M. Chiletz

Diane M. Chiletz (nee Kovach) On Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the age of 72, a precious soul was called home to rest in the light of the Lord following a courageous battle with cancer and COPD.

Diane was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She married Dave W. Chiletz on August 5, 1967 and they spent 32 wonderful years together. Diane and Dave moved from Cleveland to Plymouth, Indiana in 1975 where Diane worked as a kindergarten aid at St. Michael's School. They moved to Shorewood in September of 1984.

Diane worked at St. Jude School, St. Francis Academy in the dean's office and at the Shorewood Water Department. She was hired as a records clerk for the Shorewood Police Department where she worked tirelessly for the next 22 years. She loved her job, not only because it allowed her to help people, but also because being around police officers made her feel closer to her brother, who was killed in the line of duty in 1984. She retired this April after a beautiful ceremony at the Shorewood Village Hall reflecting on her phenomenal years of service.

Diane was treasurer for the Shorewood COPS Organization since its inception and was a devoted member of Holy Family Church in Shorewood. There she met many friends who became her family.

Diane enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and after church dinners with her friends. She loved watching the game show network and playing slots with her husband. Her love of music and life inspired everyone around her. Her beautiful smile will live on in the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know her. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her loving children, two sons, David Chiletz and Daryl (Dawn) Chiletz; and one daughter, Dawn Steczynski (Jason); two granddaughters, Claire Chiletz and Jaiden Chiletz; two grandsons, Tyler and Ryan Steczynski; as well as her precious furry baby, Dexter.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dave W. Chiletz; her brother, Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach; and her parents, Stephen and Anna Kovach.

Funeral Services for Diane M. Chiletz will be Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet with Fr. Jack Welch officiating. As it was Diane's request, cremation rites will be accorded following her funeral services.

Memorials to the Shorewood Community Organization for the Police of Shorewood (COPS) in her name would be appreciated.

Visitation Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m.

Published in The Herald-News from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2015

Mr. Shorewood
Friend

November 18, 2015

Rest in peace brother, you will be missed.

P.O. Dan Crisan
Cleveland PD

March 30, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

March 11, 2015

Steve,

It has been thirty years since you left us. We went to High School together, took the test together & went through the academy together & worked together.

It'still hard to believe.

Bill Evans
CPD retired

April 18, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and your friends for sharing their memoireis and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 11, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

March 11, 2012

I still think of Steve often and am grateful for the many shifts I worked with him. I will always remember that awful night when Steve and Dave Rutt were shot. I can only say that Steve died doing what he loved to do, and I can remember him saying; "If you're born to be shot you'll never be hung". I miss my partner and friend very much and I'm glad that he is not forgotten. God Bless you Steve... Rest in Peace... Jack

Jack Streza
Cleveland Police (retired)

July 7, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 11, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

November 25, 2009