Donald Norbert Novak

Donald "Norb" Novak, age 82, of Lorain, died Sunday, August 14, 2005 at Community Health Partners and Surgical Center in Lorain following a sudden illness. He was born on August 23, 1922 in Lorain and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Lorain High School and recieved his Bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in 1950. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII. A Technical Sergrant with the 374th Bomb Squadron, he was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross, having flown in the China-Burma-India Theaters. He worked as an outside sales representative for the Sears, Roebuck and Company for 35 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Sears Retiree Group where he served 4 terms as president and had just recently attended their summer picnic. He was a lifetime member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Lorain, its Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. An avid bowler and golfer, he participated in the Polish Club League for 20 years and the Senior Friendship Bowling League for 9 years, acting as secretary for both leagues. He also was a former member of the Lorain YMCA golf league and the Lorain City League. He acted as an election booth worker, also enjoying short trips and playing games around the family table. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Clara (nee Hodkey) Novak; son, Thomas Novak of Strongsville; daughter, Cynthia Wright of Lorain; 4 grandchildren, Cammie Loy, Allison Wright, Gregory Novak and Colin Wright, II. Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter and Theresa (nee Wielgos) Novak and an infant son, Timothy Novak. Friends may call Tuesday, August 16, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Dombrowski-Humphrey-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 9:30am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 15th Street and Lexington Avenue, Lorain. The Rev. Robert J. Glepko, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Nativity BVM Church, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052. Online condolences may be made at www.dombrowskifuneralhome.com.