Joseph Novak

Joseph William Novak, 75, of Barrington NH , passed away on Friday July 5th, 2019 at Mass General Hospital in Boston MA.

Born Febuary 15, 1944, in North Bergen, NJ, Joseph “Joe” was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Lynn Novak.  He spent his early childhood in Columbus and New Berlin, NY and graduated from New Berlin High School in 1962.

After graduation, Joe enrolled initially at SUNY Delhi studying to be a Draftsman.  In September 1963, Joe enlisted in the US Navy as a Draftsman and was stationed on the USS Tanner (AGS15) through June 1967.  He received two recognitions during his tour including the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.  After his last tour of Vietnam, Joe returned to finish his studies at Delhi.

On February 17th, 1968, in New Berlin, NY, he married Martha (Marci) Mitchell.  After graduation from college, Joe and Marci moved to Hartford, CT and he became an Insurance Adjustor for Aetna.  He was transferred to Atlanta where the family lived until 1971 when he became a Loss Control Specialist for Progressive Insurance in Canandaigua, NY.  In 1973, Joe returned to his hometown in New Berlin where he was a Certified Insurance Counselor for Gates Cole and Associates where he worked for 30 years until he retired in 2003.  He was passionate about making sure his clients had what they needed.

Joe was an avid hunter and a patient fisherman.  He enjoyed coaching Little League for the Hawks and watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports.  He loved being a nature photographer, Christmas light decorator, and his passion was feeding his birds with his loyal dog Rexy at his side.  He was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan to the end.  His sarcastic and disarming wit was a major part of his charm.

Joe is survived by his wife Marci Novak of Barrington, NH, daughter Beth (Jon) Manter of South Berwick, ME, son Jason (Allison) Novak of Nashua, NH; grandchildren Lila Manter of South Berwick, ME and Liam and Madelyn Novak of Nashua, NH; brother William (Jayne) Novak of Manlius, NY and several nieces and nephews around the world.  In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brother David Novak, sister Barbara Rivas, and nephew Chad Novak.

An informal (no ties as requested by Joe), open to the public, gravesite memorial service will be held Friday July 19th at 4PM at Fairview Cemetery in New Berlin, NY right next to the Chobani Little League diamond on Fish Field.  Immediately following the service, the family will host a celebration of Joe’s life at the St. Andrews Parish Hall in New Berlin.

Contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, c/o Families in Need, 24 N. Main Street, New Berlin, NY 13411