Ronnie Covich, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at the Biloxi VA. He was born on July 19, 1934, to Lucy and Jerry Covich, Sr., the sixth of seven children.
Ronnie is a graduate of Biloxi High School class of 1955 and joined the army in 1956 serving most of his time in Korea. When he came home, he continued his service in the Reserves and worked in his brother's drug store and the family Packaged Goods Store until he started his career at Ingalls Shipbuilding as a Security Guard, where he retired in 1996.
Other than the time spent in the Army, Ronnie lived on the Point until Hurricane Katrina destroyed the family home. He was a walking encyclopedia of past events that occurred on the Point and in Biloxi, being able to pinpoint important dates and tons of interesting facts. He loved traveling to Mobile with Roland, Red, and Corky for off-track betting and to the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. He looked forward to daily lunches with the "lunch bunch” from Shrimp Central.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jerry Covich, Jr. and Rudy Covich; and his two sisters, Rita Covich Forbes and Rosalie Covich Isola.
He is survived by two sisters, Marie Covich Frentz of Ocean Springs and Betty Jean Covich (Kenny) Hughes; and his sister-in-law, Shannon Covich of Biloxi. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends especially members of the Croatian-American Cultural Society, better known as the Slavonian Lodge, where he served as bar tender for meetings of both the Men and the Ladies Auxiliary. Because of his personality, he was affectionately called "The Bull." He was extremely proud of his Croatian heritage.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. The family will have a gathering following the committal service at the Slovanian Lodge, 159 Maple, Biloxi, MS 39530. Everyone is invited to attend. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.