George P. Kovacevich, 87, prominent Galvestonian and well-known master baker departed this life Saturday, November 11, 2006 at his residence.  George was born in Butte, Montana on March 15, 1919, and was raised in Galveston, Texas.

The family will receive visitors and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 14, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.  A Pomen will be held at 7:00 p.m.,  with his brother His Eminence, The Most Reverend Metropolitan Christopher, officiating,  assisted by the Rev. Fr. Srjan Veselenovich.   

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning 10:00 a.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church, 4109 Avenue L, Galveston, Texas.  Burial will follow the services at the Serbian Orthodox Cemetery on 61^st street in Galveston, Texas. Immediately following the burial there will be a reception at the Saints Constantine and Helen Church hall.   Pallbearers will be immediate family members.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell Chuoke and Leo Bierwirth

George, one of 12 children of the late Petar and Rista Kovacevich, began his bakery career at the age of 10 for Martinelli Brothers Bakery.  The road from bakery helper to prize-winning chef was a long and winding one.  At the age of 16, George was one of the youngest bakers in Texas.  Two years later upon meeting the age requirements for the union, he began working for Weber’s bakery until World War II when he enlisted in the Army of the United States.  As a sergeant, attached to the 111^th Quartermaster Bakery Company, he fought in the battle of Burma in Central Burma.  While serving, Sergeant Kovacevich was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.  After the war, he returned and opened the K & W Bakery in Texas City.  The bakery was destroyed in the Texas City explosion.  In 1949 he opened the Dixie Cream Bakery in Galveston, which he owned and operated until 1957.  After which he worked for the Galvez Hotel as executive pastry chef for two years, before moving on to the Shamrock Hilton in Houston as executive pastry chef.  By 1964 he was the assistant executive chef and head pastry chef.  In 1970, he returned to the Island and opened Kovacevich Bakery until his retirement in 1999. Many of his customers affectionately called him the “Donut Man”.  During his career he received numerous awards and international recognition for his creations.  He was truly one of a kind.  His compassion, courage, and strength could never be matched.  He was driven by the love for his family, his work and his church.  Though he will be deeply missed, he will live on in our memories of him as a loving husband, father and Pa Pa

George was preceded in death by his eldest son, Michael George Kovacevich; his father, Petar B. Kovacevich; mother, Rista V. Kovacevich; granddaughter Alyssa Jacobs; and brothers, Ilija P., Willie P., Dan P., Ubo P. and Janko P. Kovacevich.

Mr. Kovacevich is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bernice Kovacevich; four children: daughter Karen M. Kovacevich; son Peter G. Kovacevich, Sr. and wife Cynthia; daughter Georgette K. Roach and husband Richard; and son John W. Kovacevich and wife Cindy.  Six grandchildren:  Dana K. Escamilla and husband Ruben; Peter G. Kovacevich, Jr., Marla Kovacevich, Allen Jacobs, Megan Kovacevich and Ashley Kovacevich.  Three great-grandchildren:  Jonathon Escamilla, Matthew Kovacevich and Jason Kovacevich. He also leaves behind his loving and devoted pets, Moochie, Baby and Tommy-Tiger.

George is also survived by two brothers Blazo P. Kovacevich, and His Eminence, The Most Reverend Metropolitan Christopher and four sisters Gertrude Popovich,  Rosalie Kovacevich, Vida Rector and Joyce McDonald; and sister-in-laws Eleanor Kovacevich, Natalie Kovacevich, Dorothy Kovacevich, Barbara Kovacevich and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 3280, Galveston, Texas 77552.

The family would like to thank the Hospice Care Team for their excellent care and support.