Martin Novek

NOVEK, MARTIN, 91 - of Margate, died October 10th of complications from a broken hip. Born October 12, 1916 in Philadelphia, PA to Sarah and Sam Novek, he lived most of his adult life in Atlantic City and Margate. He became a policeman in 1942 as one of only 15 men to be appointed from hundreds of applicants. While working as an Atlantic City police officer, he met Florence Crane and the two were married July 18, 1943. Novek joined the Navy during World War II, and served in the shore patrol in Norfolk, VA and New Orleans, LA. When he returned from military duty, Novek served again as a police officer. He later opened his own shop, called Martin Novek of the Boardwalk, in the Ambassador Hotel in 1952, and continued in business for 36 years. His outside interests included bringing unique talents such as Louis Armstrong and Mimi Benzel to Atlantic City, local politics, and the development of a 1970's training program for minority entrepreneurs. He was an active member of the Democratic Party, and in 1963, ran a vigorous but unsuccessful campaign for Margate Commissioner. He was an enthusiastic observer of the stock market. A weight lifter in his youth, Novek became a committed believer in exercise after he retired, swimming four or five times a week, attending fitness classes at the Jewish Community Center and later, at the Pogachefsky Clinic. Novek is survived by his wife, Florence, of Margate; his sister, Alma Friedenberg of La Crescenta, CA; three daughters, Maxine Jacqmin of Shaker Heights, OH; Minda Novek of Brooklyn, NY; and Eleanor Novek of Neptune City, NJ; and two granddaughters, Hillary Jacqmin of Boston, MA and Laura Jacqmin of Chicago, IL. Relatives and friends are invited to attend graveside services, today, 11a.m. at the Emeth Shalom Cem., Egg Harbor Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402. Arrangements by the Roth-Goldsteins' Memorial Chapel of Atlantic City.