Massapequa High School Loses 'Coach K'

This story was written and posted by Edward Robinson. Chris Boyle contributed to this report.

Jim Kovacsik, the beloved, longtime Massapequa High School booster known to generations of Massapequa High School students as "Coach K," has died after a battle with pneumonia. He was 93.

A resident of the community for more than half a century, Kovacsik was a loving husband, father, World War II veteran and aviation expert. He also may have been the biggest fan the Massapequa Chiefs ever had.

He was a fixture at Chiefs athletic events, pep rallies and the annual homecoming parade, often escorted  to the gym by the Massapequa cheerleading squad.

"He loved this place. Massapequa High School was his home," MHS principal Dr. Barbara WIlliams said.

After retiring from a long career as a TWA mechanic, Kovacsik was hired as a security monitor 25 years ago. In addition to keeping the school safe, he would dispense advice and tell stories from his post on the building's first floor.

"He always had a kind word or a story to tell for those who would listen," Williams said. The stories would often include aviation-related photos he kept in his wallet. He was used as a guest lecturer on aviation at the school.

Kovascik also loved to show off photos of his late wife, Eleanor, and share memories of her, Williams said. He also leaves behind a son and daughter.

Although he had been ill, Williams said he received a certificate marking his years of service at the school this year. His resignation only became official at Thursday's school board meeting, just days before his death Monday.

While his loss was felt throughout the school, it will particularly affect the athletic programs as Kovacsik was a major booster for Chiefs athletic teams.

"The students loved him," said Massapequa Athletic Director John Piropato, who described "Coach K" as "a great man," and "a proud veteran of World War II."

"We will miss seeing him every day," Piropato said.

Kovascik was elected to the Massapequa High School Hall of Fame in 2006, largely for his efforts in supporting Massapequa Athletics. 

He was a booster in every sense of the word and Kovascik told Patch in 2010 he'd like to be remembered that way.

"I took these youngsters, and I mentored them, gave them confidence, and made a nice little team out of them," he said. "I'd like to be looked at as a symbol of Massapequa sportsmanship, dependability, and courage."

Services for James Kovacsik will be at the Massapequa Funeral Home, North Chapel, 1050 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park on Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A religious service will be held at the funeral home Thursday at 8 p.m.