Robert A. Novak

Robert A. Novak, age 86, was called home on September 1, 2021. He was Born August 15, 1935, in Kearny, New Jersey. Bob was born on the Feast of the Assumption, to a very religious family, and held his catholic upbringing in high esteem. His allegiance to country, devotion to family and unwavering faith in God was the corner stone that carved his path though life.

He was a proud member of the ROTC, became a 1st lieutenant in the army, then continued to serve in the National Guard and reserves. A dutiful and honored member of the American Legion, his fidelity continued with committed visits to the local veterans’ home, as well as being an active participant at every Veterans and Memorial Day ceremony.

He attended Seton Hall prep was a member of Knights of Setonia, the rifle club, social activities committee and civics club. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University, where he sang in the Church and University Choir, and attended every one of his class reunions. He loved Pirates basketball, and as a proud alumni was married on campus, in his esteemed Seton Hall Chapel.

He believed that charity was the heart of his faith, and was a member of the Holy Name Society, and Knights of Columbus. He helped raise, money for the needy, collected winter and spring clothing drives, marched on Washington for the right to life and ran the Saint Paddy's day dance.

As a member of St. Mary's parish, he was very involved with the church; and assisted with numerous fundraising activities, as well as helping to clean and vacuum before mass.

His eloquence, humanity and servitude made a difference in the lives of others. On Sundays he sang in the church choir in Wayne and (later Pompton Lakes), Mondays he’d serve food to the homeless at Eva's kitchen in Paterson, Thursdays was bingo at the veterans home in Paramus, and on the first Saturday of the month he helped transport patients from nursing homes to a church mass, then afterwards a special lunch.

He was a valued trustee of the Elks, volunteer reader for the blind, and helped run the Halloween and Christmas parties for children with special needs. He was devoted to his family and friends, and attended every family event. If anyone was ill or in distress he was the first one there, or if you needed something fixed and he couldn't do it, he’d find the person who could.

He worked as an executive for several companies over the years. However, everyone in the family remembers, when he worked for Hess Corporation, as in 1964 each one of his nephews received a Hess toy truck for Christmas. He carried on that tradition every year for his nephews and later, his grandsons. His final career was as an executive for Coastal Corporation which merged with El Paso, in New York City.

However, Bob is not remembered for where he worked but rather how he lived. He had a zest for life; loved playing golf and tennis at the country club and was active on several bowling leagues. He enjoyed traveling through America and Europe with his late wives Maria and then Mary. However, his favorite place in the world was Israel which made sense to anyone who knew him. He lived according to his faith; for I know no one who lived his life more in harmony to message, Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

His sister Dorothy would say, Bob you're always so busy and he would answer, "Yes, there's always so much to do… Isn't it wonderful?” As busy as he was he was always there for all of his sisters, a better baby brother you could not have asked for.

He was beloved by his family who appreciated his strong faith, compassion, loyalty and his  great wit; everyone wanted to sit close to catch his comedic quips. Bob will be deeply missed by his loving sister Dorothy Lapsley, and his large extended family, including many cousins, nieces and nephews and his stepchildren: Timothy Cox (Stephanie), Cindi McGuire (Brian) and Michael Cox (Leslie). He was a dedicated “PopPop" to 11 grandchildren: Becky, Chelsea, Kristin, Shannon, Michelle, Megan, Michele, Michael, Colin, Riley, and Brett, as well as 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Andrew and Mary (Faltisco) Novak, his brother Francis Novak, sisters: Mildred Hogan, Marie Layne, Catherine Stier, Alice Shaffery, his late wives, Maria Travisano, and Mary Haines Cox, and his daughter-in-law Cara Cox.

He took the road less traveled and we were all the better for it.

In lieu of flowers, please honor our veterans and wounded warriors through the Gary Sinise foundation

Gary Sinise foundation
PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365

Or at the website http://garysinisefoundation.org