William "Bill" Koval

William "Bill" Koval a teacher, guidance counselor, and coach for several generations of students at Geneva High School, died Tuesday February 24th at his home with loved ones by his side. He was 79 and had been a resident of Geneva for 57 years. Born on March 4, 1935 he spent his youth in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. Bill graduated from Burgettstown Union High School, received his undergraduate degree at Findlay College and earned graduate degrees from West Virginia University and Kent State University. Koval loved Geneva High School where he dedicated 37 years as a teacher and counselor, with additional responsibilities in the area of scheduling. Bill also spent many years coaching basketball, golf, and baseball and will be best remembered for his long and successful tenure as head basketball coach. Bill especially appreciated those individuals who influenced his personal and professional life. As Bill reflected on his life, he referred to those individuals as providing a "bump" in life. To Bill, a "bump" was a thoughtful gesture, an act of kindness, or a life changing lesson. Of the bumps provided to Bill, those that were the most meaningful came from individuals who taught him the value of hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Although he recognized the "bumps" he received, he was reluctant to acknowledge the many "bumps" he provided to others. Bill liked golf, fishing, woodworking where he particularly enjoyed making things for others. Bill and his "Junie Girl" always looked forward to visiting family and friends and especially their annual winter trip to Florida. Bill is survived by his wife June of 58 years, his three children and their spouses Kim (Brad) Ellis, Michael (Sue), and Erik (Jennifer), and his 9 grandchildren Elizabeth (Frank) Carraher, Stephen (Liz) Ellis, Michael Ellis, Liza, Michael, Lauren, Blaine Koval, Christopher, and Rebecca Koval. He is survived by his brother John (Ruth) Koval, and sisters Elizabeth Brown, and Mary (Bill) Cindrich. He is preceded in death by his father John Koval and mother Julia (Nemeth). Friends will be received from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, February 27, 2015 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway in Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 28th at Assumption Catholic Church, 594 West Main Street in Geneva. The family appreciates the care and comfort given by members of Hospice of The Western Reserve, especially Bill's Hospice angel, Stacy. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Hospice of The Western Reserve or the Assumption Church in Geneva, Ohio.