JOSEPH NOVAK Obituary
DR. JOSEPH F. (FACS)
Age 97, of Ligonier, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, peacefully on Tuesday evening, January 22, 2013. Born July 26, 1915, a son of the late John and Gertrude Novak. Beloved husband of Eve P. Cooper Novak and the late Carolyn Martin Novak; devoted father of Carolyn "Cennie" Novak, John (Mary Beth) Novak and J. Anne Wayne; loving grandfather of Carey (Dale) Johnson, Michael Novak, Justin Wayne and Andrew Novak; brother of the late Gertrude (Regis) Kemper and John Novak; brother-in-law of Ruby Templeton Novak; stepfather of Ronald (Linda) Hambrecht and Chris (Barbara) Spurgeon; also survived by a host of cherished nieces, nephews, friends, former patients and his beloved Maltese "Roxy". Joe graduated from Peabody High School in 1931 as Salutatorian and member of the National Honor Society at the age of 15. He studied pre-medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with Highest Honor in 1935. He moved onto the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, entered the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Fraternity in his junior year, and received his Doctor in Medicine in 1938. Dr. Novak was briefly a neurosurgeon at Walter Reed General Hospital as a First Lieutenant, Medical Corps, U. S. Army. A leg injury caused a change of field into ophthalmology spanning a half century beginning in 1943. Joe was presented with the Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1994. He created a safer work environment for millions of American laborers while serving as ocular safety consultant for U.S. Steel and countless other industrial organizations. He championed the growing Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, and personally saved the vision of thousands of people regardless of economic stature. After his retirement in 1993, he continued teaching and mentoring. His legacy will live on with the Joseph F. Novak Chair in Ophthalmology Research at the University of Pittsburgh. Joe was an avid golfer and was a member of Rolling Rock Country Club. He enjoyed winters at his home in Naples, FL, and spent the remainder of the seasons at his quiet cottage in Ligonier. Friends will be welcomed at LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, Saturday evening 6-8, Sunday 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Bernard Church, Monday morning at 10 o'clock. If desired, family suggests memorials to The Eye and Ear Foundation, Suite 251, 203 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
www.laughlinfuneralhome.com
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6 Entries
Mel Smith
January 27, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Novak, he will be greatly missed. Psalms 90:10 says that those who live to be 80 and older have "extra strength", Dr. Novak had that. May you keep your fond memories of him always in your heart as you seek the comfort and peace that only comes from God at this time sorrow.
January 27, 2013
Dr Novak was my doctor froe when i was a baby in yhe fifties until he retred.
He was a great doctor and even better man
Dan OKain
Joe Novak was my best friend in medicine.
John Sheppard
January 27, 2013
Joe was a friend, neighbor, mentor, councilor, confident, and a true role model for me and I know many other colleagues. Joe guided me throughout my career as an eye surgeon and he provided invaluable advice available only from a leader and an insider. He was my professional father, as well as the godfather of our only son, Sean. Joe had a photographic memory and enjoyed conversation covering microsurgery, politics, sports or business, all with the most recent facts to continue his treatise of the moment. Close friends remember well his humorous side, sometimes ribald to say the least, his endless smile and deep chuckle. Joe cared above all for his family. He was a loving husband through good health and bad, a dedicated brother to our neighbor Gertrude, and he provided selflessly for his children. Joe always had a plan: for business, for loved ones, for medicine, for his partners. Master of the proactive gesture, he always made the best of a donation to the hospital, the adoption of new technology, or procurement of a rare Chinese work of art. I remember as a child the respect and fear he created around his ancient oriental tapestries glorifying their living room, and as an adult I fondly recall his unmitigated joy with the procurement of a rare Ming Dynasty vase. With his passing, we all know there will never be another like him: thank you Joe for everything.
Dianna Dunnington
January 26, 2013
I worked with Dr. Novak at Eye and Ear Hospital from 1965-1985 and remembered him for his professionalism, kindness to his patients and nursing staff and great surgical skills. May His Memory Be Eternal.
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Arlene Adelman
January 26, 2013
To his family my deepest condolences. My late father,Joseph Chodock,discovered Dr.Novak and sent my late mother, Leah to him in 1945. I started to see him in December, 1947, about four months after I turned four. I see also that my mother was born one day before him. He was an excellent Physician and a kind man.
Jan Sheppard Johnston
January 25, 2013
Many great memories of Dr. Joe. Grew up on Glen Ridge with John and Anne. Dr. Joe used to pick me up and take me to his office to check my eyes. Always so kind and generous. He was mentor for my brother John and inspired and helped him in his career as an opthalmologist. He will be missed terribly by many.
Jan Sheppard (Johnston)
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222 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
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