Louis Covatta, 96, of Lewiston, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 27, 2014 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Compo Basso, Limosano, Abruzzi, Italy, he was the son of the late Costanzo and Christina (Lorenza) Covatta.

Louis immigrated to the United States at the age of 15, and in August 1940 he married Mary M. (Fabiano) Covatta. Mrs. Covatta predeceased him on January 27, 1990. Louis owned and operated Covatta Builders of Niagara Falls for over 50 years. During his years as a contractor, he was an active member of the Niagara County Builders Association. Louie shared his time and talents in building many quality custom homes throughout Niagara County, along with renovating the traffic control tower at the old Buffalo Airport and various projects at Stella Niagara Academy during the years his sons attended the cadet school.

Louie enjoyed tending to his large vegetable garden, making homemade Italian sausage, cooking beans and greens, and frying hot peppers. Louis was always eager to play a game of euchre. During his later years, he enjoyed spending time in his workshop barn located at his daughter's home. He loved to socialize and gave life to any party. Louie's greatest enjoyment came when his family could join together, and he always gave encouragement to his grandchildren to follow their dreams and to work hard at what they love doing. He was a man of resilience and determination. Fittingly his last words were, "I need to get to work".

Louis is survived by his daughter, Christine (Keith) Freeland of Lewiston, NY and was predeceased by two sons, Richard L. (Gabriella of Wilson, NY) Covatta, and Robert F. (late Kathleen) Covatta. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Annette (Michael) Hoff of Charlestown, IN; Rick Covatta of Wilson, NY; Lisa Riney and Brian (Stephanie) Covatta both of Orlando, FL; Dr. Erik (Gina) Freeland of Philadelphia, PA; Jeffrey Freeland of Washington, DC; Julie Freeland of Lewiston, NY, and was predeceased by his granddaughter, Linda Covatta. He is also survived by eight great- grandchildren, Ashley, Mary, Adam, Kristianna, Ricki, Grace, Mason, and Jacob. Louis was predeceased by his brother, Frank Covatta, and sister, Marie (late Patsy) Yacoots. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be Friday May 30th from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY where prayers will be held at 11:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at St. Peter R.C. Church, 620 Center St. Lewiston with Rev. Msgr. David LiPuma, officiating. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094 or St. Peter R.C. Church.