Stephen Peter Kovacs

Stephen Peter Kovacs, age 61, of Buford, Georgia, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Braselton, Georgia.

Stephen was born in Schenectady, New York, to Peter Kovacs and Barbara Stachewicz Kovacs. He grew up in outside of St. Paul, Minnesota, until his family moved to Arizona, before settling in Georgia. Once there, he graduated high school and attended the University of Georgia, where he met many life long friends. After moving to Atlanta, he discovered family life and the joy of having two daughters. He then met his wife Diane Smith of Carnesville in 2015. They were married on September 8, 2019. After they wed, Steve and Diane were blessed with 6 grandsons. Steve dedicated most of his career to North Fulton Golf Course. He was later promoted to Regional Golf Course Superintendent for the City of Atlanta. A die-hard University of Georgia football fan, he cherished cheering on his Dawgs and cruising on his boat at Lake Lanier. Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Barbara Kovacs, and his brother, Michael Kovacs.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Diane Smith of Buford; daughters Corinne (Andrew) Freel of Monroe, Caitlin Kovacs of Lilburn; step-daughters Kristen (Jonathon) Bagwell of Winder, and Lindsey (Eric) Glaze of Auburn; grandchildren Dawson, Dallas, Denver, Caden, Preston, and Parker; siblings Susan (Glenn) Northrup of Hartwell, Deborah (Rand) Wise of Decatur, and Kimberly Kovacs of Gulf Breeze, Florida; nephews Tim, Adam, Christopher, and Ben

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ginn Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, with Pastor John Head presiding.The family will be having a meal in Stephens honor at El Parion in Carnesville following the memorial services.  

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in honor of Stephen to the Republican National Committee or The University of Georgia.