Melvin Kovitz, 92, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Bradenton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Hebrew Cemetery, 2715 30th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201.

Melvin was born December 4, 1933, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Albert and Jewel (Tinsky) Kovitz. He married Maxine Ida Cohn on January 8, 1961.

Over the years, Melvin made his home in Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois. In May 2026, he and Maxine moved to Bradenton, Florida.

Melvin co-owned and operated Phil Vinar Furniture for many years with his best friend Phil Vinar. Later, he transformed the business into an Ashley HomeStore. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. A dedicated and hardworking businessman, he cared deeply about providing for his family and wanted them to have opportunities beyond those he had himself.

Melvin was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel at the Tri-City Jewish Center and a life member of their Board of Directors. During that time, he was instrumental in bringing Sunday night bingo to the Center, often being referred to as “Mr. Bingo.”

Melvin had an easygoing sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his dogs, traveling, reading, bowling, home improvement, and watching movies about military history. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved playing with their Papa. Some of his family’s fondest memories came from the many trips and everyday experiences they shared together. Above all, family was at the center of Melvin’s life.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Maxine; his son, Rob (Pam) Kovitz of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; his forever daughter, Mae (Phil) Gasa; and his daughter, Linda (Uwe) Berg of Wiesbaden, Germany. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chad Kovitz, Jake Kovitz and Alexandra (Matt) Coffey; and his great-grandchildren, Lillyana and Reagan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Richard Kovitz.