Mr. Kovaleski was born in the Philadelphia suburb of Abington, Pa., arriving eight weeks prior to his due date, and grew up just north of there, in Plumsteadville, Pa. “At 2 lbs., 10 oz., he had to be strong,” said his mother Tara, “and he was always a strong kid, even at that time.” 

Mr. Kovaleski attended Central Bucks West High School, in Doylestown, Pa., from which he graduated in 2020 with a scholar’s diploma for high academic achievement. He competed in pole vault as a four-year member of the school’s track and field team and found joy in playing recreation-league soccer throughout his youth or competing on a travel baseball team coached by his father Jon.

At the University of Delaware, Mr. Kovaleski was a student in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. His intent was to apply his undergraduate education through a career in programming and coding in the field of cybersecurity, his mother said. Socially at UD, Mr. Kovaleski participated in the University’s trap and skeet club. 

“That team brought Jonathan such great joy,” his father said. “He loved competing with his friends, and doing so on a national level was special.”

Mr. Kovaleski’s parents described their son as a protective big brother and someone who was “maybe a little shy and reserved until he got to know those around him,” his mother said. “Then, Jonathan was funny, with a dry sense of humor and full of one-liners.” His father used the word “empathetic,” in discussing how attuned to the needs of others Jonathan had been, even from a young age. “He would loan someone money who needed it and almost be embarrassed by helping,” his father said. “He never called attention to it. He always cared about others’ thoughts and feelings.”

“We loved Jonathan and we want him to be remembered for the special person he was,” his mother Tara said. “He was caring of other people, always compassionate about them and worried about others’ feelings. Jonathan was just a wonderful young man.”

Mr. Kovaleski is survived by his parents, Tara and Jon, and his sister, Madelyn, as well as many other loved ones and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions be made in Mr. Kovaleski’s memory to afsp.org.

Shared reflections 

Members of the University community shared memories and reflections:

Holli Harvey, interim dean of students: “We extend our condolences to Mr. Kovaleski’s family and share the sadness they and the University of Delaware community are experiencing. We have informed his family that his diploma — which he was so close to achieving — will be awarded posthumously.”

Terrianne Lavin, associate chair, assistant professor and undergraduate program director, Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences: “Jonathan was a student in my Environmental Statistics course. He will be remembered as a smart, kind, and caring student. He was passionate about the environment and interested in helping his classmates. He will be missed by me and all the faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Geography and Spatial Science. I hope the best for his family in this time of loss."

Julie Klinger, associate professor, Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences: “Jonathan’s presence in the classroom was friendly and focused. He had a bright future and wanted to do good work in the world.”

Jeffrey Liss, friend and fellow member of UD’s Trap and Skeet Club: “Jonathan was a true leader who handled responsibility with dedication and brought our team together through his friendship, humor, and support. We became best friends while traveling the country and competing in the sport we love. Whether on the road, organizing team events, or simply spending time together, he was always there when we needed his friendship and support. He was a remarkable mentor to our younger members by offering guidance and encouragement and setting an example. His impact on our team was immeasurable and his memory will continue to guide us.”

Campus resources

For any student in need of support or assistance, including after the loss of a member of the UD community, Student Life provides a variety of resources. Students can connect with the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. In addition, 24-hour support is available through TimelyCare. For UD benefited employees, mental health support is provided from ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. The link gives steps on how to access services or call 1-877-527-4742 for support.