Michael Peter Kovalyk

March 8, 1951 - April 2, 2023

03/08/1951 - 04/02/2023

Past Services

Visitation
Wednesday April 05, 2023
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes - Bellaire Chapel
441 37th Street
Bellaire, OH 43906
740-676-1611 | Directions
Cemetery
Thursday April 06, 2023
Greenwood Cemetery
1526 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-0270 | Directions
Funeral Service
Thursday April 06, 2023
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Greek Orthodox Church Martins Ferry
314 N 5th St
Martins Ferry, OH 43935
Directions

Michael Peter Kovalyk, 72, of Bellaire, Ohio died Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Wheeling, West Virginia.
He was born March 8, 1951 in Martins Ferry, Ohio son of the late Pete and Carmella Cotello Kovalyk.
Mike was baptized at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bellaire, Ohio and was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church Life Giving Fountain in Martins Ferry, Ohio where he was christmated.
Mike was also a life member of the Ohio River Valley Elks #231.
He graduated from the great class of Bellaire High School in 1969. After high school, he attended Hocking Technical College where he obtained two Associate’s Degrees in Forestry Technology and Outdoor Recreational Wildlife Technology. He spent six years as a Park Ranger in Hocking Hills, Ohio. He returned to Bellaire and joined the Police Department in 1979. In 1989, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was Police Chief in 2005 until his retirement. After retirement, he joined the Belmont County Sheriff Office where he was a Resource Officer for the last five years at the Belmont Harrison Joint Vocational School which were his most cherished.
His proudest accomplishments were his last five cases, all convictions including two life sentences. His passion for life was family, friends, serving his community as a Law Enforcement Officer, hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert W. Kovalyk and baby daughter, Carmella Louise Kovalyk.
Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rosalie Rigas Kovalyk, children, Clara Kovalyk of St. Clairsville, Ohio, PFC. Robert Kovalyk Wheeling Police Department of Shadyside, Ohio, Michael Kovalyk of Bellaire, Ohio, sister-in-law, Charlotte Kovalyk of Bellaire, Ohio, sister and brother-in-law, Laura and John Pappas of Wheeling, West Virginia, brother-in-law, Christopher (Cedric) Rigas of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Family and friends will be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home 441 37th Street, Bellaire, Ohio on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 6, 2023 at the Greek Orthodox Church Life Giving Fountain in Martins Ferry, Ohio at 11:00am with Fr. Constantine Makrinos as celebrant. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling, West Virginia.

26 Condolences
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Lanny & Debbie Sitar
1 month ago

Dear Rosalee and children,
We are sorry for your losing Mike. We have known Mike since junior high and will never forget him. May God bless you all.

Stan and Carol
1 month ago

Rosalie, you and your family have our deepest sympathy. Mike had such a big presence in Bellaire and surrounding areas he will be missed but always remembered by so many for all the good he did in our community. Please try to remember all the good times you shared together.

Mike Boston
1 month ago

So sorry for your lose, Mike was a good friend and one of Bellaire’s best police officers I knew him for years may he RIP and may the Lord comfort you and your family at this time of sadness.

Gigi Sherry
1 month ago

Dear, Dear Rosalie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Life is very sad at times. Please let the memories of the happy times fill your hearts and dry your tears. Love is the key. My Uncle passed away tonight. I will always miss him..but we will meet again!
Love, your life long friend, GiGi

Keith R. Johnson
1 month ago

My wife Debbie and I express our deepest condolences to the Kovalyk family. Mike was good COP who always treated me well when I started my Law Enforcement career years ago. He was also a good friend and neighbor to my wife’s family. The Ohio Valley lost a good cop and public servant this past week. May he rest in peace and the good Lord bless his family.

Keith and Deborah Johnson.

Shelly Biggs
1 month ago

My condolences to his wife and family. Mike was a dear friend and I’ll miss his friendship. May he rest in peace.

Janet Scott
1 month ago

So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed taking and waving to him when Mike Conroy and I drove off of the hill. He was an awesome person dedicated to family and community service! Rest in peace.

Bob Fialkowski
1 month ago

Rosalie,Mike was an effective police officer,and he helped to make Bellaire a safer community. My prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief.

Lynn and Sandy Marling
1 month ago

We were so blessed to know Mike and get to talk to him as we passed his house on so many days…He always had a smile and always working in the yard!! We will remember his service to the Village of Bellaire…God Bless and RIP

Jim and Deb Kakos
1 month ago

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mike was a wonderful person and will be missed.