Devoted Husband, Father and Poppy
Emil “Poppy” Novak, Sr., 89, of Mifflin Township passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Larksville on April 18, 1928, he was a son of the late John and Mary (Romanak) Novak. He graduated from Berwick High School in 1946, and served honorably in the US Navy during WWII. He worked at AC&F, Berwick Forge and Fabricating in Berwick, and later at Alumax in Bloomsburg.
“Poppy” had a passion for farming. His pride and joy was the family farm, on which he lived and worked for the past 85 years. This was a legacy which he passed on to future generations, all of his children still have a residence there.
Emil was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Berwick. He was also a member of the American Ukrainian Club, Berwick, Mifflin Township Forest Rangers, and VFW Post 8227, Nescopeck. He enjoyed rooting for any sports team his family was involved in. He also liked hunting, and fishing.
Emil will be greatly missed by his wife, Judith (Mowery) Novak, with whom he would have 54 years of marriage this month. He also leaves behind sons: Emil Novak, Jr and wife Kelly; Joel Novak and wife Paula; Steven Novak; Eric Novak; daughter, Julie Rowe and husband Aaron; 6 grandchildren: Lauren, Megan, Ryan, Adam, Ellie, and Emmie. He is also survived by a brother, John Novak and wife Kaye, St. Charles, Missouri; and nephews, Jon and Jeffery Novak.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 14, 2017 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck with Pastor Mike Delp officiating. Interment will follow in St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Berwick. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 PM on Sunday, August 13, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukranian Catholic Church, 706 North Warren Street, Berwick, PA 18603.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.