Jeffrey Allen Hovan

July 29, 1976 - March 21, 2021

Jeffrey Allen Hovan, age 44, passed away on March 21, 2021 due to complications from a brain tumor. He is survived by his parents Steve and Ruth (Meyer) Hovan, and older brothers Chris (Victoria) and Scot (Gretchen). He was a loving nephew and cousin to many and beloved uncle of Pete and Leo. For over 12 years, Jeffrey worked as a pizza delivery person, dependably delivering thousands of pizzas around the Cleveland area. In addition, for the last 13 years, Jeffrey simultaneously worked as a transfer driver for U-Haul, moving trucks from one metro location to another, so that people who were in the midst of their own life transitions could have access to a vehicle they needed. From a young age, Jeffrey loved to observe and learn about the people and places around him. Jeffrey created a mental map of the greater Cleveland area that allowed him to give directions to his older brothers when they were learning to drive and later to even suggest better driving routes to his supervisors. Jeffrey's learnings about people helped him to sense when others were in need--to give a smile or a cheerful word or joke to them just when they needed it. Jeffrey also had the ability to sit calmly and quietly with people--a rare gift that brought comfort to his grandfather and to countless others. Jeffrey was generous with his time and his money, offering both to help people without hesitation. Dependable, trusting, and kind, Jeff’s gentle soul touched the lives of countless people who interacted with him, and his abundant goodness and love will leave a hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Because of COVID-19, a celebration of Jeffrey’s life will be delayed until the early Fall when we can gather together more safely to celebrate him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lift Garage, a non-profit auto repair shop founded by a family friend in Minneapolis. Jeffrey loved to drive, and The Lift’s mission is to end homelessness by keeping people driving. Donations should be marked in honor of Jeffrey Hovan. Visit www.theliftgarage.org for more information about the organization and to donate.