Diane Rose Kovatch

Diane Rose Kovatch, Keansburg, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at UPMC General Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was 68 years old.

Born December 13, 1956, in Jersey City, she was the daughter of Rose (VanDolson) Aquilano and the late Anthony Aquilano, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Kovatch, her son, Jonathan Robert Westfall, and her brother, Anthony Aquilano, Jr.

Diane’s strength and boundless love shone brightly throughout her life. As a young mother, she took immense joy in being involved in her children’s elementary school as a teacher’s assistant and an enthusiastic PTA member. Her nurturing spirit extended well beyond the classroom, as she continually sought to uplift those around her.

A true New Jersey woman, Diane had an unwavering passion for the NY Jets and NY Knicks, while also holding the title of the biggest Elvis fan. Her legendary sticker collection delighted everyone, ensuring that no card she gave was ever complete without her thoughtful, personalized stickers. Diane was especially passionate about her family. She loved spending quality time with her grandchildren—Aubrey, Sydney, Bentley, and Cameron—as well as her siblings, who affectionately knew her as "Mamma Di". After 20 years, she returned to her New Jersey roots, where she relished being closer to her loved ones again. She will be most remembered for her spunky, no-holds barred attitude, her strong pride, and her love of her family.

Surviving is her mother:  Rose Aquilano; her children:  Christina Knapp (Alex) and Thomas Westfall (Melanie); her siblings: James Aquilano (Pat), Kevin Aquilano (Antoinette), Syrell Moran (Joe), Gabrielle Youngclaus (Robert), Amanda Hamel (Doug), Rachel Siragusa (Mike), and Jessica Aquilano; 4 grandchildren: Aubrey, Sydney, Bentley, and Cameron; her sister-in-law:  Denise Aquilano, and a loving abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Following the loss of her son, Jonathan, Diane became an active and supportive member of the Angel Babies group, leaning on and supporting other women who experienced the loss of an infant. In her memory, contributions may be made to Angel Babies, 59 Wychunas Avenue, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, 02532 or online at kindest.com/angel-babies.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.