Obituary of Eugene Frank Cova

Eugene "Gene" Frank Cova, live-long resident of Jackson, California whose pride and passion revolved around family and friends passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson at the age of 85years. Gene was born June 24, 1925 to Pete and Attilia (Dotta) Cova. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jackson Cova; sister, Marie Schaefer of Jackson, CA; brothers, Carlo Cova of Escalon, CA; Edward Cova of Jackson, CA; and James "Babe" Cova of Camino, CA. If you didn't grow up with Gene, you likely came to know him across the counter at the Post Office in Jackson, where he worked for 35 years. Gene also bartended at the Wells Fargo Club and Suracci's Restaurant, both in Jackson. After retiring from the Post Office, Gene worked many years at Campbell's Chevron and was a frequent bartender at many catering and special events around Amador County. During World War II, Gene served as Seaman First Class aboard the USS Grouse (YMS - 321) even though he never learned to swim. Gene thoroughly enjoyed socializing and playing golf with friends. He graduated from Jackson High School and rarely missed the annual alumni gatherings, "Old Timers Get-together" . Gene was a member of the Jackson Quarterback Club where among other projects he served on the film crew taping football games for Jackson High School. He was a little league coach with John Aime, which attributed to Gene's unwavering devotion to the New York Yankees. In 2001, Gene travelled to Italy where he reconnected with his father's relatives in Maddallena, Somma Lombaro, Italy, where many Cova relatives still reside. He is survived by his son, John Glenn of Fountain Hills, AZ; grandson Michael Glenn of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandson Giles Glenn of Jackson, CA; daughter, Jeana Hultquist and husband Larry of Fair Oaks, CA; granddaughters, Charlotte Ruffner of Long Beach, CA and Marianne Ruffner of San Francisco, CA; son, Marshall Cova and wife Anita Openshaw and her daughter Hanna Russell of Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by first cousins, Evelyn Piccardo; Ethel Smallfield; Mary Jones; Marlene Lichtle; Jeannie Smelser; and Luke Glavenich. Many thanks to Jack and Martha Quinn, who were invaluable neighbors as well as Tricia Wiebold and Reathel Shingler who helped make Gene's last years very comfortable. Celebrations include a Rosary Service on Friday, November 5th, at Daneri's Mortuary in Jackson at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, November 6th at 1 P.M. at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Jackson. A graveside service will follow the mass. A reception will follow at Teresa's Place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patricks Catholic Church or Common Ground Senior Services.