Joseph “Keith” Covacevich

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1943, Joseph Covacevich was the son of Neilous and Maxine Corso Covacevich. His roots are deep seated in the city of Biloxi with his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Nellie Corso, and his paternal grandparents, “Jackie Jack” and Artimease Covacevich. He was very proud of his heritage and was dedicated to the maritime and seafood industries that are synonymous with his hometown.

After attending Nativity BVM Elementary and Biloxi High School, Joseph served in the U.S. Navy and then began his family with Sylvia Gambles Covacevich. After 4 years of service, he worked at Kennedy Engine as a welder and carpenter, where he worked on many local boats including “The Mariner”. In the 1970s, he joined his father Neilous at “NC Covacevich & Son”, a boat building yard located on Back Bay, Biloxi.

Joseph, also known as “Keith” in later years, would ultimately open his own business, “J.C. Marine Diesel, Inc.” which specialized in marine engine and generator sales and service. As this is a critical component of harvesting vessels, Keith’s service to the maritime and seafood industries was an invaluable resource to the community. But his community involvement extended beyond marine service. Keith was a member of the Slavonian Lodge, served as Meals Chairman for the Gulf States Oil Invitational, and sponsored local softball leagues. An avid car enthusiast, he was the founder of “Lighthouse Cruisers Car Club” and a member of the “Southern Who Street Rod Association”.

Keith was known both for his skills and his tenderness to others and was often heard saying he could “weld broken hearts together” and weld watch stems on watches.” He was respected by the community and loved by his family.

Keith lived his entire life in Biloxi until he lost his home in Hurricane Katrina. He and Sylvia moved to the Perkinston area where he lived until his passing in 2011.