Santa side gig spreads joy to Leechburg residents

Steve Kovalchik has a festive side gig.

Kovalchik, 65, is a volunteer Santa.

He suited up on Christmas Day, complete in his custom embroidered red velvet suit, spreading holiday cheer to residents in Leechburg.

Originally from Allegheny Township, Kovalchik resides in Maryland but visits Leechburg annually.

“I feel joyous and it raises my Christmas spirit,” said Kovalchik of the role he has embraced since 2014.

Kovalchik’s faith helped lead him to his unusual hobby.

A Mormon, Kovalchik replaced the gentleman playing Santa at his church upon the man’s death.

Kovalchik even makes Santa house calls and has entertained cruise ship passengers.

The beard is real, and Kovalchik grew a handlebar mustache this year.

“I’ve had the beard since 1978,” Kovalchik said.

A heavy equipment driver, Kovalchik served as a Marine during the Vietnam War, returning to Leechburg annually for the Veteran’s Day service.

He said he traded in his Santa rental suit, commissioning a handmade suit complete with the initials “S.K.,” sewn on, a reference to Santa Klaus in Germany, an homage to his Slovak, German and Irish heritage.

One of seven siblings growing up in Allegheny Township, Kovalchik graduated from Kiski Area High School in 1974.

His wife died of cancer four years ago.

“She used to dress up as Ms. Claus with me. I lost my parents and my wife that year. Three of the people that meant the world to me,” Kovalchik said.

Steve’s brother, Joe Kovalchik of Leechburg, said his brother’s role comes naturally.

“He certainly has the personality for it and he loves spreading Christmas cheer and spirit,” Joseph Kovalchik said. “It helps him through the holidays as he’s had some personal loss over the past few years.”

Steve said he fields one common gift request as Santa.

“The kids ask for animals — a pony, dogs, cats — I tell them they have to get permission from their parents before Santa can bring that.”