Michael J.“Pop” Covine, 66, beloved Husband, Father and Nano, entered Heaven’s Gates on January 6, 2015 after courageously fighting Lung Cancer with his wife of 46 years, Rosalind (Castellano) Covine by his side from first diagnosis to last breath. He was born in Dover, NJ and was a resident of Apollo Beach, FL. Michael, named “Pop” by fellow firefighters, started his career as a USAF firefighter and PROUDLY served HCFR as a Driver Engineer at Stations 17 and 29 for 25+ years, while supporting the family business, Sunshine State Garage, for 38 years.
The 11th of 12 children, family was important to Pop, so no surprise he found a home with the HCFR, “Brother helping Brother.” We could not have made it through these 2 ½ years without the HCFR’s love and support. Pop’s fight was his family’s fight and all were strengthened by our Prayer Warriors. A joyous reunion happened when Mike was met by parents, Dominick and Alberta; brothers, Alfred and Ralph; sisters, Rose, Alberta and especially Marie; father and mother-in-law, Leo T. and Mary (Cagnina) Castellano; niece, Lina Castellano; and nephew, Michael Breidenstein.
Mike is survived by his son, Tony (Gretchen); daughter, Bernadette (Nigh) Le; all of his Nano boys, William Reyes, Michael, David and Nick Covine; John, James and precious baby Camille Marie Le, who was such a special surprise; siblings, Danny (Betty), Dominick Covine, Alan Bilotti, Anthony, and Rose, all of NJ; sister, Theresa, of CA; brothers-in-law, John B. and Sam (Jean) Castellano; and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you family and friends who stood by us throughout Pop’s fight. Join our celebration of his life 5-8 pm Sunday, January 11 at Garden of Memories, Tampa, FL with a special presentation at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 am Monday, January 12 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Ruskin, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Abramson Cancer Research for lung cancer research, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA19104, Attn: Natalie Reznik. Please make checks payable to Trustees of University of Pennsylvania and note In Memory of Michael Covine on the memo line.
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