BERNARD MICHAEL HOVAN (Bernie), age 81, beloved husband for 56 years to Jean C. Hovan; loving father of Michael B. Hovan (Rhona), John L. Hovan, Debbie J. Chessar (Ed) and David C. Hovan (Ornela); cherished grandfather of Mitchell Hovan, Marquette Hovan, Rachel Chessar, McKenzie Chessar, Jordan Chessar, Isabella Hovan, Stella Hovan and Ajay Hovan; dearest son of the late Catherine and John Hovan; dear brother of Richard Hovan. Bernie is an inductee in to the following Halls of Fame: Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1989), Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1989), Nordonia Athletic Hall of Fame (1991) and Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame (2019). Bernie was the Greater Cleveland Baseball Coaches Association “Man of the Year” in 1987. Bernie was a proud Bachelors and Master degree graduate of Kent State University where he played baseball for 4 years. Bernie coached six all-star teams from Northeast Ohio that traveled globally to promote international baseball. Bernie was a 23 year veteran teacher and coach (baseball, football, basketball, wrestling and girls tennis) at Nordonia High School. Bernie enjoyed mostly spending time with family and people in general – no one was a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, guests are encouraged to donate to the following non-profit charity promoting youth baseball and softball in the Northfield, Macedonia and Sagamore Hills area:
Nordonia Hills Athletic Association
Attention: Jim Filisky
P.O. Box 111
Northfield, Ohio 44067
Make checks payable to “Nordonia Hills Athletic Association” and note “In Memory of Bernard Hovan” on the check or on an included note.
A small, private, family service was celebrated on Monday December 14, 2020.
