Funeral Details

Mark Allen Kovalsky

October 18, 1948 - December 25, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Memorial Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
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Clergy

Rabbi Sarah Rosenbaum Jones
Congregation Or Shalom

Interment - Private

Luncheon

The Continental Restaurant
788 South Buffallo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
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Following the memorial service

Memorial Contributions

Congregation Or Shalom Scholarship Education Fund
21 Hawthorn Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
www.orshalomlc.org





OBITUARY

Mark Allen Kovalsky, Age 77.
Beloved husband for almost 54 years of Ellyn. Loving father of Erin Kovalsky and Matthew (Ashley) Kovalsky. Proud Papa Mark of Shane, Judah, Camryn, and Logan. Memorial Service Sunday 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Road (1 Block North of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Private. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Or Shalom Scholarship Education Fund, 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061, www.orshalomlc.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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I worked with Mark at Helzberg years ago but only for a very short time. In that time I made a friend, someone that was easy to get along with and treated me like we knew each other for years.

I am glad that we crossed paths and can only wish it could have been for a longer time in life.

Mark, I will always be proud to have been one of the lucky ones to meet you. You will be missed and thank you for the ear rings!!

Sincerely
Jim "Umpire" Franklin

Jim Franklin
December 26, 2025
Mark was a truly special soul — stoic in strength, yet endlessly warm and caring in the way he loved those around him. He didn’t need many words to make his presence felt; his steadiness, kindness, and quiet humor spoke for him. Mark showed up with consistency, loyalty, and a genuine heart, offering comfort simply by being himself. His love was deep, unassuming, and real, and it left a lasting imprint on all of us who were lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

Russel Adelman
December 26, 2025
So very sorry to learn of Marks passing we recently met him and Lily at a dog show and were instantly friends he will be missed. Sending our sincere condolences to his family

Debra & Bill Kolb
December 26, 2025
I am shocked to hear about my good friend Mark‘s passing. He was one of our finest Aprilia dealers when I helped run the US subsidiary of a Aprilia Motorcycles. He was always a champion of the sport, of the brand and an incredible brother of The cause. We had many good times on trip trips through Italy and I will always remember his warm smile and pat on the back to help launch the brand and keep it going. God bless Mark and the family. He will forever be missed.

Bruce Schufreider
December 26, 2025
Mark: it’s time for you to rest. Your worked hard to love and provide for your family, friends and for all in need. Thank you for our friendship and the many special memories we share. I am missing you deeply. What over your wife, kids and grandchildren - you are loved and Missed.

Bruce Zaccanti
December 26, 2025
Mark was my Cuz! We grew up together and shared so many memories and fun times. He was there for me when I lost Joel and he only wanted more time with his family. Rest in peace and I will miss you!

Marlene Spatt
December 26, 2025
Mark was more than a cousin to me but more like a brother. He was always there for me. We shared lots of memories together. He will be missed but forever be in my thoughts and heart. Love to the family. Madalyn

Madalyn Adelman Stambaugh
December 26, 2025
Matt and I were good friends growing up and Mr. Kovalsky is one of the most stand up, real guys I have ever met. He was as tough as they come and had a heart that would match that. He would give you the shirt off his back and would help you any way he could. He had an energy to him which was legendary and could own a room by walking in.

Mr. Kovalsky gave me some advice as a kid which helped me immensely and I still remember to this day. I am beyond grateful for knowing him and am very lucky to have met him as a kid.

Mark will be missed but has impacted the lives of many people. I am sending all my condolences, thoughts and love to the rest of the Kovalsky Family.

Jamie Draz
December 26, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss

Barbara Gold
December 26, 2025
I met Mark & Ellyn at a dog show last year. They were both very pleasant and I felt like I made some new friends. His love and devotion to his dog Lily was clear. I am so sorry he had to endure the loss of lily while he was ill himself. My deepest condolences to his family and all that love him.
Rose Bundrick

Rose Bundrick
December 26, 2025
Our family had only met Mark on a few occasions, while our sons played football along his grandson. Marks camera was always in hand, capturing precious moments, quickly snapping the plays without missing a beat….but his quick wit, jokes, and commentary, all while having the proudest smile on his face, made him forever remarkable. He was the ultimate multitasker. I have the memory of him detailing his knife making skills to me, all while his camera was up and capturing and preserving those moments click by click. He was able to tell me a life story almost song like, during these few encounters. Mark always made it be known that Matt was something to be proud of. He spoke of how Matt was an honorable father, while leading the league without bias. “Just look at him, out there with humility and grace (click click click). It was an honor to meet Mark in those brief moments, and I have no doubt that if any one had the luxury of spending more than a few brief moments in the stadiums with him, that they will honor his legacy and won’t live a day without him in their minds. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kovalsky family ❤️

Tara Podrez
December 26, 2025
Mark brought kindness and beauty into this world shining that grace and thoughtfulness to all who were touched by him. May his light shine through all the lives he has touched.
I met him on the Thursday train from Chicago.
I will miss him.
Ann McKevett

Ann McKevett
December 26, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss all the great memories,

Janice cohen
December 27, 2025
I didn’t know MARK personally, but knowing Ellyn for my whole life, I have to believe he was as good a man as he appeared to be on Facebook. I hope that his good memories sustain you in this very difficult time. All our love, Gary and Katie WAITZMAN.

Gary Waitzman
December 27, 2025
Dear Ellyn, Matt and Erin,
My heart and prayers go out to you all.
I know there are no real words of comfort aside from he’s at peace.
Hold each other tightly.
Sending kisses, hugs and love.
Randey

Randey Grossman
December 27, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I hope the memories of your life together will provide strength during this challenging time.

Bobb Darnell
December 27, 2025
So sorry for your Loss. I worked with Mark at JARED in Algonquin.,
I bought one of his knives for my son in law and it was exquisite,, what a craftsman. Mark loved his family.. He was very proud of all of his grandkids showing off a new picture whenever he recd one. His love for his dogs as well, I learned some tips from him as well. We lost touch after he moved to Helzberg. He will be missed. Pat H.

Pat Hunt
December 27, 2025
To our dear cousins The Kovalsky Family, we share in your great loss. Mark was a true prince and a loving and caring family man. Each one of you meant the world to him and he took great pride in your personal accomplishments. He stood by your side at all times and his memory will forever be enshrined in your hearts. I was honored to be a part of the many family gatherings when all of the family cousins spent memorable fun times together. Mark showed some of his early entrepreneurial skills as even a youngster by organizing many of the competitive games that we participated in.
As we grew older our bonds strengthened. We will miss Mark’s big heart and unwavering devotion to all of you. Be strong and he will always walk side by side with you in the days and years to come.

Stewie, Hilaine and Lorie Rosenbaum
Jamie, Alex and Nikki Mayo

Stewart/Hilaine Rosenbaum
December 27, 2025
I met Mark and Ellyn at their wedding. More than one-half a century ago. He was to be admired as a husband, father, grandfather and his love for dogs. He had many skills and strength of character in how he never gave up when life treated him unfairly. I loved our times together on new years weekend that was a ritual for many years. In 1985 we owned a Chicago Bears Super Bowl rings for several weeks. We had a lot of fun with it. He was a loyal friend. I will always have a place in my heart for Mark. Knowing him made my life richer. Steve Willis

Stephen Willis
December 28, 2025
May God grant eternal peace to Mark’s soul and raise his rank high in Heaven.
My deepest condolences to his family.
May God give them strength, patience, and comfort during this painful time.
Mark will always be remembered with love and respect.
— With heartfelt prayers, Ali

Ali Hassan
December 28, 2025
Your love story endures. It was an honor to hear all the love, admiration and stories about you two. My arms are around.


Joyce

Joyce Simon
December 28, 2025
To Erin and the whole family, I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy. I met your dad last summer, I remember his positive energy and firm handshake. May the Good Lord give you strength, courage and may he appease your hearts during this moment of profound sorrow.
Fraternally,
Ghyslain

Ghislain Nguembi
December 28, 2025