During the 'Great Recession,' Kent Covey and his wife, Maureen Kennedy founded the Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati in 2010 after they visited the Chicago Irish American Heritage Center seeking advice. Long time volunteer and Past President of the IAHC, Tom Boyle, and Cliff Carlson, publisher of Irish American News advised them to go for it - and they did!
The heritage center in Cincinnati is thriving, and although Kent came down with cancer, he lived to see his dream become a reality.
J. Kent Covey, long-time resident of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024.
He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1947 to the late John C. and Kathryn G. Covey. He is survived by his wife, Maureen A. Kennedy; his children, Mike (Tami) Covey, Colleen (Jon) Stratman, and Shannon (Dave) Dickman; his sister, Mary Carol Schaffrath, nine grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.
Kent grew up in Newtone, New York, and attended DeSales Catholic High School and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Following graduation from the Academy, he served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot, including a tour in Vietnam. Kent attained the rank of Captain.
Kent and his wife, Maureen Kennedy, founded the Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati in 2010. He devoted his retirement years to running the Irish Center with Maureen.
He also sang with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Glee Club for many years and was an actor with The Irish American Theater Company. Maureen was the founder of the theater company.
Kent will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation was held at the Irish Heritage Center, 3905 Eastern Ave., on Tuesday, July 2, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 2501 Riverside Dr., on Wednesday, July 3, at 9:30 AM, followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Irish Heritage Center in Kent's memory at https://www.cincyirish.org/donate.
Condolences may be directed to www.rohdefuneral.com.
Kent Covey, a Founder of the Irish Heritage Center Greater Cincinnati has Died
