In Loving Memory

William Louis   Novak, surrounded by his loving family and cherished friends, went home to our Lord and Savior on January 19, 2022.  Born April 9, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill is survived by his beautiful bride of 58 years, Donna, his loving son, Todd (Astrid) and treasured grandchildren, Sofia Genevieve, Gabriella Marie and Ian Giovanni.

For those who knew Bill, he was a man of lively and vivacious, larger-than-life personality, full of tenacity and wit; he enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life.  Central and primary to him, and thoughtfully living out his deep faith, Bill possessed a certain character quality as a living example of one who embraced the traits, characteristics and virtues in accordance with the Beatitudes and lived a virtuous way of life. His life showed the qualities needed to truly live out the Word of God.

A proud patriot and distinguished US Navy veteran, Bill's life was all about service and charity.  A true American, he cared deeply about the happiness of others.  He maintained lasting friendships to numerous to count and being fiercely devoted, powerfully principled and committed, Bill found humor in the most mundane of life's circumstances, and his kindness, truth, loyalty and golden word is legendary.

Bill left no doubt of his devotion to his family.  He loved every minute of being a husband, father and grandfather.  Bill took great pride in watching Todd become a successful young man and father.  His final and most cherished role in life was being "Papap" to Sofi, Gabi and Ian…his beloved grandchildren.  It brought him great joy to receive a phone call from them with their special requests.  Bill's generous spirit and devotion to them guaranteed that he was always immediately ready to fulfill any wish or request from his grandchildren.  Cheering them on from the sidelines, supporting their interests and feeding them their favorite foods kept him more than busy in his retirement.

Bill was certainly the delight of many lives and all attest he had an extra special love for cooking because he simply enjoyed feeding people.  His famous pasta sauce and meatballs were the very best….just ask him!  His bar-b-que sauce came with a warning "don't let it splash on your forehead, because your tongue will beat your brains out trying to get to it."  To be sure, no one could pull the wool over Bill's eyes. He questioned everything and missed absolutely nothing.   Being open and honest, one clearly knew where you stood with Bill and he instinctively knew how to meet your needs.  He filled the role that you needed.  He was the father, the god parent, the uncle, the brother and close special friend that you needed him to be.  Many were the recipients of his bountiful, caring, and supportive and protective ways.  You were safe with Bill and he would give you the shirt off his back! He could make anyone fall in love with him.

Bill will lovingly remain in our hearts forever and he will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/

or Wounded Warrior  Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/