John Robert Kovacs Sr.

John Robert Kovacs Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026 at Sunrise of Westfield, Assisted Living in Westfield, New Jersey.

Born on April 20 th 1934, in Cranford, NJ, John was the proud son of immigrant parents from Hungary (Magyarorszagro). He attended Cranford High School in Cranford, NJ where he received his education. After graduating high school, John proudly served his country in the United States Army as a meteorologist, stationed in Germany. He rose to the rank of Private 4th Class and was honorably discharged, leaving the military as a proud veteran who faithfully served his country.

John married the love of his life, Carole Ann Samaritano, at Mount Saint Mary’s Church in Elizabeth on April 26, 1959, when he was 25 years old. Their marriage of 66 years was filled with love, laughter, and a deep, unwavering devotion to one another.

A Mountainside, New Jersey resident for over 60 years, John began his working life at the Esso Gas Station in Cranford, NJ, before building a long and successful career in sales, to industrial design engineering. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to owner and president of his own real estate investment company.

John truly enjoyed the companionship of friends and family. During the summer months, he could often be found on the front porch of the Seaside Park shore home, welcoming neighbors and sharing time with everyone who stopped by. Throughout the town, John was known for his unmistakable traditions of firing the 8:00am cannon to the sound of God Bless America and delighting passersby with his beloved elephant fountain that sprayed water onto the palm tree. These simple joys became part of the character and charm he brought to the community.

When not traveling the world with his wife, Carole, the couple could often be found thru the years at their homes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and during the winter months soaking up the sun in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. For decades, they cherished escaping south to enjoy the warmth, spending time with the many friends they had made on the island, as well as welcoming numerous friends and family who visited to share in the Caribbean, always met with the generous hospitality that John so effortlessly extended.

John is predeceased by his wife Carole and brothers George, Alexander and Steven. John is survived by his beloved children, John R. Kovacs, Jr. and Ann Marie T. Kovacs; his loving grandchildren, John R. Kovacs III and Maxim John-Carole Kovacs. John was also cherished by many loving nephews, nieces, brother and sister-in-laws and their families.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Monday January 19, 2026 , from 5-7:30 pm at Gray Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of John & Carole Kovacs at www.parkinson.org. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.