Obituary of William J. Covell

William J. "Bill" Covell, Sr., 78, of Jamestown, passed away of natural causes on July 4, 2014 in WCA Hospital. Bill was born in Warren, Pa. on June 6, 1936. After graduating from Youngsville High School in Youngsville, Pa. in 1954, he entered the US Navy and served for five years between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Upon returning from naval service, he attended classes offered by Edinboro University. While taking these classes, he authored a play entitled "How Psychedelic Salvation Came to Chicken Creek", which was presented at the Playwright Theater. Bill was married to Marjorie Nieman on March 27, 1961; they were married for 53 years. In addition to working as a machinist and quality assurance inspector for Struthers Wells in Warren and SKF USA, Inc. in Jamestown for the majority of the time since his return from naval service until his retirement, Bill also very much enjoyed working for Subway in Jamestown for a number of years during the early part of his so-called retirement. He also enjoyed coaching Little League baseball, reading and speed racing at Stateline Speedway in Sugar Grove. Bill was also actively involved in the Jamestown Moose Lodge. Bill is survived by his wife, Marjorie Covell of Jamestown; two sons: William (the late Donna) Covell, Jr. of Jamestown and Steven (Vikki) Covell of Albuquerque, NM; and three daughters: Veronica (Todd) McClaren and Sherri (Bob) Shaw, both of Jamestown, and Lisa (Darby) Bailey of Warren. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Fraley Covell and Edna Covell; and other precious family and friends. In addition to his daughter-in-law, Donna Covell, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. and Hallie Covell; two brothers, Oscar Covell and Robert H. Covell; and a sister, Johanna Nicholls. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 18th in the Lind Funeral Home. Captain John Merchant of the Salvation Army will officiate. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service, from 5:30 to 6:30 Friday in the funeral home. There will be no burial as it was Mr. Covell's desire for his body to be donated to the University of Buffalo Medical School. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 83 S. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701; or to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701. The family of William J. Covell, Sr. wishes to thank the WCA nursing staff and responding ALSTAR EMTs.