Andrew Novak, 99, U.S. Army Veteran
Andrew Novak, age 99, of Westlake, and formerly of Lorain, passed away at the Vitalia Westlake on the afternoon of Friday July 31st, 2020.
Born in Dubova, Czechoslovakia on March 23, 1921, Andrew traveled alone to the United States at the age of sixteen; upon arrival in New York City, he worked in both the banking and restaurant industries prior to enlisting in the United States Army in 1943.
While in the military, he fulfilled duty assignments as a Staff Sergeant attached to the 594th Army Air Force Base Unit and was the recipient of both the World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Following his discharge from the military in 1946, Andrew retuned to his native Czechoslovakia where he met and married his wife, Anna (nee Olejar). This began a union that would last seventy-two years.
The couple returned to the United States and lived in several communities prior to establishing their residency in Lorain in the early 1950’s. Andrew was employed as a quality control specialist at TRW / Nelson Stud Welding Division; he retired from the manufacturer in 1986.
A long-time parishioner of St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, he was a familiar face as a kitchen volunteer there.
Andrew was a former member of the International Brotherhood of Machinist’s and Aerospace Workers as well as a social member of the American Slovak and Russo-Slav Clubs.
Known as an avid pipe smoker, he enjoyed gardening, coin collecting, and travel including oceanic cruises in his free time.
In addition to his wife, Anna, Andrew is survived by his son Michael Novak (Susie) of Bay Village, grandchildren Jennifer, Julee, Jill, and Jonathan, step-grandchildren Brittany, Nathan, and Nikki and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sons Nicholas and Bobby.
Please join Andrew’s family for the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church – 2711 West 40th Street, Lorain. (Facial coverings will be required at both church and cemetery.) The Very Reverend Andrew Nagrant, pastor of the parish, will officiate. Private entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Church.
Funeral arrangement are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. www.gluvna.net.