Eugene "Gene" C. Sova

Eugene C. Sova (Gene) age 85 of Grand Rapids, Michigan went peacefully to be with God on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at home surrounded by family and close family friends. He was born on September 20, 1937 to Emory and Mildred (Brunner) Sova. He was a great basketball player and had his own special jump shot which he showed his children and grand-children later on. He played for both Cheboygan Catholic High School and Aquinas College. His last game of his high school senior year he scored 36 points in one game which was a record for the school at that time. He graduated with a business degree and worked in Accounting most of his life. His favorite hobby was golfing, and he could polka and do the twist like no other. He was a caring, faithful, sweet man. He lived his life giving to others. On September 18, 1971, he married the love of his life, Barbara (Wojciakowski) Sova and had a 51 year marriage filled with love, praying together, and supporting each other through the good times and the most recent health challenges. They were blessed with five daughters: Michelle Needham, Emilie (Robb) Rose, Angela (William) Davis, Rachel (Jon) Bozek, and Elizabeth (Mike) Dombrowski. He was truly proud to be a girl dad. He always told people that he was happy to be surrounded by all of his girls. He was there every step of their lives with love, support, a hug and kiss, a funny saying or joke, and a smile to brighten their day. He coached his girls basketball teams and was usually one of the loudest ones in the crowd when he was attending their games. One of his greatest joys in life in his later years were his 16 grandchildren: Sam, Nate, Felicia, Abby, Mia, Kelsey, Olivia, Cassie, Ava, Will, Olen, Lexi, Jake, Maddie, Ethan, and Noah; and his 2 great grandchildren: Tilly and Cal. He was always happiest when the kids were around or when he was talking to them on the phone. He tried to be there as much as he was able to for the grandkids. He loved going to watch playing sports, hear them singing and playing instruments, and just playing and goofing around with all of them over the years. Surviving are two brothers: Jim (Joan) Sova and Harvey (Barb) Sova; and a sister-in-law, Judy Sova; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and the following sisters and brothers: Doris (Lloyd) Van Slembrouck, Frank (Reva) Sova, Lorraine (Ed) Piotrowski, Ralph (Marlene) Sova, Howard Sova, Gloria Sova, Marvin Sova, Jack (Pat) Sova, Jacqueline Waybrant, Baby Helen Sova, and Steve (Carol) Sova. There will be visitation at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary East from 6 to 8pm on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Alphonsus Parish on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11am where family will receive visitors one hour prior. Gene spent many years working at the St. Alphonsus Food and Clothing Center (228 Carrier St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505). He brought some of his grand kids with him at times to teach them the importance of helping other people. We would appreciate if donations were made to the St. Alphonsus Food and Clothing Center in his memory to honor his spirit of generosity and kindness. He will be missed and loved forever.

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Eugene "Gene" C. Sova

September 20, 1937 - August 2, 2023