Joseph "Joe" K. Coveney, 52, of Columbia died Thursday, February 23, 2017. Born in Boston, MA on March 18, 1964, Joe was a son of the late John Joseph Coveney and Marilyn Cecelia Hogan. Joe was a man with a quick wit who always had an entertaining story to tell. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. His daughter Lilly describes him as being the happiest person in the room and always the life of the party. Joe's favorite toast was "Just one more". Joe never met a stranger, he approached everyone with a smile, a joke and was always willing to lend a hand or right a wrong. He was always willing to listen and to give his undivided attention, making you feel like you were the only person in the room. He was a loyal family man, a loving Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.

SFC Coveney (Ret) was an infantryman and drill sergeant in the United States Army for over 20 years. He served 2 tours in Iraq/Germany, Somalia, Honduras and Panama. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Army Superior Unit, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. After his retirement from the US Army, he continued to serve his nation working at Fort Jackson Control as a range technician. He also worked at FN Manufacturing as a security guard. He was a dedicated soldier and proud to serve his country in any capacity.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Carole, along with their 3 children, Lilly Cecelia Coveney, Joseph Kevin Coveney Jr, Rachael Azria Coveney (of the home); daughters Ashley and Kelsey Coveney (of Michigan); brothers and sisters, predeceased by Billy Coveney, survived by John Joseph "Jackie" Coveney, Larry Coveney (Karyn), Jimmy Coveney (Mia), Bobby Coveney, Marilyn Mendez (Peter), Karen Coveney (Lenny), Frank Coveney (Yvonne), Fred Coveney (Nadidah), all of Boston; sisters in law, Martha Coveney of Boston and Denise Cherne (Richard) of Florida; brothers in law, Ralph Mackey (Billie Joe) and Frank Mackey, all of Florida; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in addition to his military family and friends on the range and beyond.

The service for SFC Coveney will be held at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning, February 28th, 2017 at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel located at 7600 Trenholm Road Ext in Columbia with Rabbi Hesh Epstein officiating. Immediately following the service, interment will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors along with a tribute by the Patriot Guard Riders.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or to the Cutler Jewish Day School, 5827A N. Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29206.