Anthony Michael "Oscar" Koveleski

Anthony Michael "Oscar" Koveleski passed away on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020.

Born on Nov. 29, 1932 in Moosic, Pa., first son of Anthony John "Tony" and Anna Chisdock Koveleski, Oscar grew up with the passion of his father's love for hobbies, automobiles, and racing. He married the love of his life, Elaine Helen Ivanik, on Nov. 9, 1951. He was a loving husband and caring father of his family, bringing them along his epic journey at every opportunity available.

He won his first race at Bone Stadium in Pittston, Pa. at 18 years old. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he raced in Sports Car Club of America regional and national events with close friend and mechanic, Jack Deren, such as the first 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966, the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1965, and won a 500-mile race at Watkins Glen, N.Y. in 1965 in a Shelby Cobra Ford. In 1970, he won the SCCA National Championship at Road Atlanta. He won the Giants Despair Hillclimb six times, setting the record of 44.127 seconds in 1977 with his Can-Am McLaren.

Beginning in 1970, he was president of the Polish Racing Drivers of America, with noted members as Johnny Carson, Paul Newman, and even President Nixon. With two other drivers, the PRDA Racing Team placed second in the first Cannonball in 1971; a race from "Sea to Shining Sea" (NY-LA) in a Chevy Van loaded with five 55 gallon drums of gas in an attempt to win it non-stop.

Oscar's promotional skills were legendary, raising charitable contributions for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang, and several others. He consulted for many drivers and race teams. His innovative interests pioneered the earliest motorsports safety gear, engine equipment, and a huge variety of related projects. His skilled craftsmanship of electric ride-on Kidracer cars gave hundreds of thousands of kids a chance to drive and compete at many events in the U.S.

Not just "Anything for Racing," Oscar and his wife, Elaine also started the well-known "Auto World" mail-order company in 1958 on their kitchen table, and thereafter at 701 N. Keyser Ave. in Scranton, Pa. His world-famous catalog was noted as the "Sears Roebuck" of model car kits, slot cars, and much more. He also published Car Model from 1962 to 1968, a magazine with hundreds of articles dedicated to hobbyists of all ages, teaching hands-on skills of creating custom-scaled models. From hobby kits to slot racing, and even radio-control cars, Oscar was a pioneer in providing the youth worldwide with everything needed for modeling, racing, fun, and much more.

Oscar's relaxing sport was fly fishing, catching salmon from the Pulaski River, trout from the Lehigh, Tunkhannock Creek, and many other places.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Robert, Sharon, Lee Ann, and Christopher; grandson, Michael; brother, Ron and his wife, Barbara; nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.