Emil Chovan

Emil Chovan, 87 of Massillon, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. Emil was born on July 31, 1929 in Massillon, the son of the late Matthew Chovan and Suzanna Pavlak. He was a 1947 graduate of Washington High School. Emil was in the United States Air Force where he was an Air Traffic Controller at the Berlin Air Lift, landing the 100, 000th plane. He also served in the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps. Emil worked for the City of Massillon as a fire fighter and retired after 26 years of service. He also worked at Adams Sign Co. as an electrician until he retired at age 62. Emil was an aviation enthusiast, and loved polka music. He was a loving father, grandfather and husband. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel Bocko, Roy Nussbaum, Milan Chovan, and John Bocko, and his sister, Ann Zimmer. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hawk) Chovan whom he married on December 28, 1958; his children, Dawn (Tim) Zinsmeister, Scott (Lisa) Chovan, and Jeffrey (Marlo) Chovan; his grandchildren, Rebecca (TJ) Prewitt, Michael Zinsmeister, Leyna, Alyssa, Ingrid, Jamie, Ariana, and Millicent Chovan, and Myles and Isabelle Oliver; and his sister, Ruth Nussbaum. A Celebration of Emil's life will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Massillon: 3545 Amherst Ave NW, Massillon, OH 44646. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222