Michael J. Covelli, 96, of Union Township, passed away the morning of June 26, 2017 at Jameson Care Center. Born on October 8, 1920 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary DiMuccio Covelli. Surviving is his beloved wife of 68 wonderful years, the former Dina Mrozek, whom he married on July 25, 1948.

From 1943 to 1945, Mike proudly served his country in the 8th Air Force as a Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner with the 448th Bomb Group and 714th Bomb Squadron. He flew 25 missions over Germany and earned the rank of T. Sergeant and a number of medals, including three Bronze Stars, 3 Bronze Clusters, American Theater EAME Ribbon, Air Medal, Victory Medal, and AAF Air Crew Member Badge with Bar.

Mike then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a major in Physical Education from Youngstown State University and a Master of Education from Westminster College. He worked as a teacher and basketball coach for Laurel School District from 1956 to 1958. From 1958 to his retirement in 1991, he worked for the Union Area School District as a Health, Physical Education, and Driver’s Education teacher and Head Basketball Coach, where he earned 551 wins for the school.

Mike was a member of Mary Mother of Hope Parish. He will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by his children, Michael Covelli and wife Liane of Boca Raton, FL, Joanne Preston and husband Bob, Dianne Scilla and husband Randy, and Tom Covelli, all of New Castle; brother, Domenick (Jap) Covelli; grandchildren, Bobby and Tiffany Preston, Kelly and Ryan Grafton, Kevin Preston, Ryan and Katherine Scilla, and Angela and William Feldbauer; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Fred Covelli, and sisters, Betty Carrigan and Madeline Force.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. A procession will leave the funeral home Thursday at 9:15am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church, officiated by Father William Siple.

Entombment will take place in Castleview Memorial Gardens. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will conduct military rites at the cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Acosta for all of his exceptional care and compassion and also Jameson Health Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s honor to the Union Area Athletic Association, 2106 Camden Ave, New Castle, PA 16101.