Michael John Cove

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael John Cove, a beloved husband, father, and community member. Michael, 82, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on March 5, 1943, he was the son of the late Madeline Fredrikson and Raymond Cove.

Michael proudly served his country as a member of both the U.S. Army and the Naval Reserves. Following his service, he built a distinguished career as a safety engineer and later as a real estate agent in Lake Placid, Florida, where he was honored as both Rookie of the Year and Realtor of the Year.

Beyond his professional life, Michael believed deeply in service to his community. He was a resolute member of several local committees, including the Uxbridge Massachusetts School Committee, where he worked tirelessly to improve the education system. He also shared his love of sports by coaching youth baseball, ensuring that every child had the opportunity to play, grow, and most importantly—have fun.

Michael was a man of many passions. He loved music, cooking, photography, golf, and travel, but above all, he loved God, his family, and his country. As a high school student, he coached gymnastics. He finished college after his time in the military.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend who left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Roberta Cove; his children Cheryl (Steve) Filiau, Lisa (James) Pineo, Gayle (John) Prest, Ashley (Gordon) Ellery, and Joel Cove VandenAkker; grandchildren: Brenna Montalvo, Patrick Rossik, Ryan Deviney, Samantha Selzo, Melissa Peltier, Elizabeth Kilmonis, Domanick Angel, Ashlyn Ellery, and Landon Ellery; and great-grandchildren: Ava, Caroline, and Kayden Montalvo, Ashton Kaplun, Gianni Selzo, Miles Peltier, Grace Deviney, and Charlie Kilmonis. He is survived by his sister, Maureen Samra, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Bryan Rossik and Nicholas Rossik.

Funeral Mass and inurnment will be held on September 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM at St Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Immediately following the service, a gathering to commemorate Mike's life will take place at the homes of the Cove and Ellery families, 900 & 901 Wards Landing, Winter Haven, FL 33880.

All who know Mike are warmly invited to join us in honoring his memory. We deeply appreciate your support and presence during this time.

In lieu of flowers and in an ongoing effort to recognize and honor Michael’s memory,

please consider donating to:

AdventHealth Foundation’s Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic.

Gifts may be made at www.adventhealthfoundationcfl.com or by mail to:

AdventHealth Foundation, 800 N. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 600, Orlando, FL 32803

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd. Lake Wales, FL 33853 https://boktowergardens.org/designated-giving/

St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33884

https://www.saintmcc.com/giving

Michael's legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.