George Koval, W’61, Penn’s former deputy vice provost in the Office of the Provost, died on June 15. He was 84.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Mr. Koval graduated from Coughlin High School in 1957. In high school, he was quarterback and captain of the school’s championship football team and was shortstop of the school’s championship baseball team; he was named Coughlin’s Athlete of the Year for 1957. He then went on to attend Penn’s Wharton School, graduating in 1961. At Penn, Mr. Koval was Penn’s All-American quarterback and team captain, leading the Red and Blue to their first Ivy League Title in 1959. He also played baseball for Penn.

From 1962 to 1969, Mr. Koval worked in Penn’s Office of Student Financial Services as a student employment manager. During this time, Mr. Koval also served for six years in the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant in 1969. From 1969 to 1974, Mr. Koval worked at Temple University as director of financial aid, then returned to Penn in 1974, also as director of financial aid. Mr. Koval spent the balance of his career in higher education at Penn, rising through the ranks to become director of housing and security. In 1980, he was named acting vice provost, and in 1989, he became Penn’s deputy vice provost, a role he held until his retirement in 1995.

“George lived his life as a kind, humble, and intelligent man, whose faith guided him through all of life’s challenges and celebrations,” said his family in an online tribute. “His legacy is one of love, dedication, and service to others. The impact he made on his family, friends, and community will continue to resonate for generations to come.”

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; his children, Lisa Babitz (Marty), Cindy Alesi (James), and Stephen Koval (Beatrice); and his grandchildren, Eric, Kevin, Keith, and Kelly Babitz, and Maximillian, Domonique Alesi, and Timothy Koval.

A memorial service was held on June 26, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/ or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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