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Ted Novak Obituary
Ted was a teacher at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School where he attended. He graduated from Brophy Prep and earned his degree from ASU. He was passionate about human rights and social justice. He served in the Peace Corps and traveled to Ghana with a group from ASU on a Fulbright grant to study issues of slavery and human trafficking. He was an avid runner, recently completing the Catalina Island and Hood River marathons. Ted's greatest joy was his family, his parents Mary and Greg and his sister Lindsay as well as his grandmother and a whole lot of cousins, aunts and uncles. His other family was his students and the entire staff at St. Francis who provided him with the inspiration to become the outstanding teacher that he was. There will be a Mass at Saint Francis Xavier Church located at 4715 North Central Avenue this Friday morning at 10am. Arrangements through Whitney and Murphy. In lieu of flowers Ted would love contributions to the St. Francis Xavier Building Fund 602-279-9547 or the Kino Border Initiative 520-827-2370.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ted Novak
Sponsored by Ted's Family.
Steve Geare
June 21, 2024
Rest in peaceyoung man!
Rosie Nelson
January 31, 2013
I'm so very sorry...you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Rachel Kennedy
December 12, 2012
Mr. Novak was a wonderful teacher. He was always there to help us. He was passionate about what he did and one of the kindest, most beautiful (inside and out), loving people I have ever met. I am honored to have known him. God bless his family. He will be truly missed.
Hugo
December 11, 2012
It has been a while since I have last thought about my old teacher who really believed in me. I just wanted to say i miss you
Jenny & Gordy Lewis
July 24, 2012
Mary,Ted will forever live in your soul. God's Peace my sweet friend.
Kate Raftery
July 24, 2012
Dear Novak Family, I served as the Peace Corps Director when Edward was a Volunteer. With all the challenges of his service he had a joy and enthusiasm that his community greatly appreciated. I am very saddened to receive this news. A life far too early to lose.
Ruthie Burich
July 17, 2012
I knew Ted while serving together in the Peace Corps. He was smart, beautiful, kind and funny. I will always cherish the memories that I had with him. I hope that you get through this difficult time knowing how much of an positive impact he made on so many peoples lives. You are all in my thoughts.
Jordan Longacre
July 17, 2012
Im shocked that Im finding out about Ted today. My heart and prayers go out to his family. I was in the Peace Corps with him, I have no idea the circumstances surrounding this, I simply can't believe it. If anyone is willing to share his story, I know many in our Peace Corps group would find peace in knowing how such a thing has happened.
Tom Dwyer
July 13, 2012
I'm so sorry to learn of this tragedy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Andrea Gardelius (Stefanisin)
July 13, 2012
I am so incredibly sorry for the Novak family's loss. It's a terrible thing when young life is taken away from the world and my condolences go out to Lindsay, Mary, and Greg and anyone who is suffering from this loss.
July 9, 2012
I was so saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. may your memories lighten your heavy hearts.
David Grant
July 7, 2012
Mary, Greg and Lindsey,
Our hearts are broken for you in the loss of your beautiful son.We were sorry to be out of town for his memorial service, but know that the love from all your friends would help carry you through that day and for the future.
With love,
David and Lisa Grant
Joan Hawkins
July 6, 2012
Dear Mary and Greg,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan Hawkins
Diane and Bill Maloney
July 5, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg and Lindsey - The boys were remebering when Ted used to babysit them when we were your neighbors on Kaler. He was such a role model, even then, as a young man in grade school. Our hearts are broken with you. There are no words . . .
Tina Ammann-Wallace
July 3, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg and Lindsay,
I was very saddened to hear of Ted's death. Although I never met him, I know it is a horrible tragedy to lose a loved one, especially a son and brother. I wish you the strength and courage to overcome this loss, and hope that the days of optimism return to you all.
With sympathy,
Tina
Ray & Joey Muench
July 3, 2012
Dear Novak Family,
We are so sorry to hear the news about your son, Ted. May God hold him in his Hand.
July 2, 2012
We are deeply saddened for the loss of your son and brother. May you find peace at this most difficult time and know that many are thinking and praying for you. The Chait Family
Jerry and Kim Grant
July 2, 2012
Mary and Greg,
Kim and I were so shocked and saddened to hear about Ted. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Emily Dacey
July 2, 2012
Greg, Mary, and Linds-
I love you all. I hope you find comfort in the friends and family around you. I'll keep Teddy in my thoughts always.
Gioia Mills Neal
July 2, 2012
Greg and Mary,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you.
James Grey Smith
July 2, 2012
I love you Ted you taught me so much... rest in peace my friend.
July 2, 2012
Greg & Mary, Our thoughts go out to you in this difficult moment. Best, Danny Liefgreen and family.
Stephanie Brugger
July 1, 2012
Please know how many people are praying for your family.
Stephanie Mehagian Brugger
XCP faculty
Tim Flood
June 30, 2012
Dear Greg, Mary, and Family,
Ted's passing brings such sadness. I'm keeping him and your family in my prayers.
June 30, 2012
Greg & Mary,
How very proud you must be of this angel from heaven that you have been blessed to nurture and love in this earthly life! What a true servant of the Lord Ted emulated in all that he shared with others. My deepest sympathy and love is with you and your family, Patti Anderson Green
Shannon Jacobs
June 29, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss your family is in our prayers.
Shannon Jacobs, Leilani, and Alana
Jim Burnes
June 29, 2012
Greg and Mary: Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Godly ones." - Psalm 116:15 Our prayers of comfort are with you and your family. Best Regards, Jim and Denise Burnes
June 29, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg, and Lindsay, Ted was much loved by the SFX school community. I am thankful I had the blessing of being Ted's 5 th grade teacher and then got to watch him grow into the wonderful man he was. I got to know him again when he joined the faculty at St. Francis. In his easy going way, Ted was always there to help or just make the day better with his sense of humor. We shared cat stories, and chocolate (low calorie, of course), and our laughs or frustrations of the day. Ted truly had a gift for working with the kids. The last week of school he told me he was sad. He explained that he had just taught his last kindergarten class, but he was incredibly excited to be teaching his beloved Spanish to the older kids. His warmth made my day. Please know that Ted touched so many lives in such a great way. I don't know how I'll be able to do homework club without my partner. Ted loved his family and talked about you with such love. Thank you for sharing your gift of Ted. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Betty Caldwell
Phoenix, AZ
Bella Storlid
June 29, 2012
Mr. Novak was a wonderful teacher. He had cool ideas, like small little party's with chips and salsa. He also helped us when we had trouble with homework. Mr. Novak was a kind, loyal, caring, and loving man to both 3rd grade classes. He did not have any favorite students because we all were his favorite students.
Mr. Novak will be missed so much.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love Bella Storlid - a student at SFX.
Sue Collister
June 29, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julia Sheridan
June 28, 2012
Dear Mary and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. All my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray you find strength in the full life he led. much love, Julia Sheridan
Monique Prehoda
June 28, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Novak and Linds -
My heart is heavy for you as I learned of Ted's passing. He was an amazing man, son and brother who had such a large and strong impact on people's lives in such a short time. He truly lived out God's word in a very genuine way. He was one of my many friends' older brothers who made me wish with everything I had that I had an older brother like him.
I wish I could be there in person to hug you, but know that I have you in my prayers and send you lots of love. I hope that in time you will find peace. Ted will never be forgotten and will always be missed.
All my love and prayers,
Monique
Maureen Houser
June 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out Ted and his family. He was a good mentor to our two boys Ethan and Patrick.
With our sincerest sympathies, Maureen, Jim, Ethan, Bridget and Patrick Houser
Betty O'Melia
June 28, 2012
Mary, Greg & Lindsay, I know I can do nothing for your broken hearts except to add that my heart is also broken with the loss of your son- my friend, and a friend of those that needed help from someone as loving, caring, knowledgeable and respectful as Ted.
As Lindsay, Aimee and Kiley grew up, I always looked at Ted and Steven as the brothers she never had. Lindsay and Ted especially taught her what it was like to have a sibling of the opposite sex - the O'Melias were very much lacking males for role models. As an adult my respect for Ted increased as I watched him go through college, and his various involvement in social issues. There are no words to offer yet I've said a few, but know none will offer you the peace you need right now. I can only say that Ted is in his God's loving hands now and all is well for him. I'm sorry I'm not with you all now but will be with you in spirit.
Master's Cohort
June 28, 2012
Our deepest condolences to Ted's family and friends. We were lucky enough to have him in our NAU cohort this past year. He touched all our lives in different ways. He was a very smart man and everyone could see his intelligence in his words and projects. He was always dressed nicely, cool shoes and great suits. He always sat in the back and twirled his hair which confused the teachers who thought he was raising his hand. When he spoke, he always said something important and valuable. Ted spoke of wanting to go abroad to teach after finishing his Master's degree. We will miss him terribly.
With love,
Tiffany, Carol, Denise, Jenna, Cindy, Jennifer, Marilee, Rula, Melissa, Carmel, Roman, Cari, Joy, Andrea, Emily, Ryan, Jae, Linda, Jane, and Diana.
June 28, 2012
~ O'Connor Family
June 28, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg & Lindsay,
We are so very saddened by your loss. It is impossible to express our sorrow in words but please know that all of you are in our prayers and we hope that you are comforted by Ted's wonderful legacy. He is in the Lord's arms as are all of you. God Bless you. All our Love, Lucy Moroney Keough & Dave Keough.
Meg, Bobby, Madeleine and Leo Perich
June 28, 2012
To the family of Ted Novak, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers... Our children attend St. Francis Xavier School and have wonderful memories of Ted's kindness that he shared with them.. May you find strength in knowing God's love. From the Perich Family
June 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ted's family. So very sorry for your loss. With love, Jeannette, Kellen and Sam Cross
June 28, 2012
MacInnis Family
June 28, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg and Lindsy-
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. God Bless.
The Harczynski's
June 28, 2012
We are so saddened to hear of your loss and send many thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family. Our daughter had "Senor" Novak for Spanish this past year and he made such wonderful impact on her learning. He will be sincerely missed. Blessings. The Smigielski Family
Jamie, Brian, Zachary and Madeleine Kerlee
June 28, 2012
To the Novak Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. This morning, Zachary and Madeleine fondly remembered the short time they spent with Mr. Novak in Spanish class this year at SFX. And Mr. Novak graciously welcomed them into homework club despite the fact that they were only in second grade. He was patient and kind with them. His spirit and his memory will continue to light the way for those who knew him. May God grant you strength in this difficult time. From the Kerlee family
Deb Cronin
June 28, 2012
Mary, Greg & Lindsay,
Like all of you, Ted always had time for everyone he met. He brought a smile with his concern and dry wit. Ted lived his life with kindness and respect for all people. This personal generosity is a glowing legacy! We will all miss Ted. Love, The Cronin Family
Charlie and Austin Fairbourn
June 28, 2012
Our hearts go out to the entire Novak clan. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Johnsons'
June 28, 2012
Our son, Elijah expressed sadness over the loss of Mr. Novak. We will continue to keep Ted and his family on our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Groseta
June 28, 2012
Dear Greg, Mary, and family,
So sorry to hear of your tragic loss. May you find solace and peace despite the pain.
Diane Palmer
June 28, 2012
Mary & Greg,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your daughter and extended family as you try to deal with this pain of losing your son, Ted. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dawn Bolstad-Johnson
June 28, 2012
I remember Zachary telling us about Senior Novak and his Spanish class when he was in kindergarten. We had the pleasure of first meeting him during teacher conferences 2 years ago, he had so much charisma it spilled out of the room. He told us how Zachary would go out of his way to say Good morning to Senior Novak everyday. He had a way of making you feel that your child was the most special child in the universe. I hope that we can all carry on his legacy and charisma through being as kind to our fellow classmates and teachers as he was to all of the students at St. Francis. His light will shine on! God speed Ted! and to Ted's family ...may all of the love and fond memories that you have as well as all that are being shared here bring you some comfort in this most difficult time. We are all greiving with you! Love, Mark, Dawn and Zachary Johnson
Nicole Succow
June 28, 2012
Peace, love, thoughts and prayers during this time and always.
Mallory Running
June 27, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost and was blessed to be taught by such a gifted soul. He was a great person and we will all miss him dearly. Your family is in my prayers.
June 27, 2012
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Though we are new to St. Francis, Nate and Lucie have many fond memories of Ted helping them in homework club and were looking forward to having him for their teacher next year. We are so sorry for your family's loss. The Anderson Family
Jacquelynn Mason
June 27, 2012
Dear Novak Family,
What a fine young man Ted grew up to be and look how many peoples lives he touched. I remember him coming into the library and he always had a smile to brighten the day. He will live on forever in your hearts and in those he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 27, 2012
Mary, Greg and Lindsey,
May God hug you tight and give you much love, strength and courage to carry on and know that Ted will always HUG back.
God Bless-we love you! the heberles
June 27, 2012
Mr. and Mrs Novak and Linds,
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Love,
Maureen (Hubbard) Young
Paul Petelin
June 27, 2012
Dear Mary, Greg and Lindsay,
We are so shocked by Ted's death. It just seems like yesterday when the kids were hanging out together at St. Francis. Our love and prayers are with you. Joan and Paul Petelin
Kelsey McKone
June 27, 2012
I had the privilege of getting to know Ted this last year as it was my first year working at SFX. His work ethic and passion for all of his students was never unnoticed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time. St. Francis will never be the same, and his spirit will live on through all of us.Ted, I'll miss hearing your cowboy boots coming into the teachers lounge everyday. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may the sun shine warm upon your face, until we meet again. God Bless
Marie Heggestad
June 27, 2012
The students all loved Ted and he was great to work with. I feel blessed to have worked with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you
James Hartnett
June 27, 2012
Dear Novak Family,
Mr. Novak was my spanish teacher. I really enjoyed the chip and salsa party's and making cookie skulls during the Dia De los Meurtos holiday. I enjoyed his spanish class and seeing him at homework club. I will miss him and pray for him and your family.
Eric J. Halvorson '84
June 27, 2012
RIP Brophy Brother.
Patty Bayham-Mazier
June 27, 2012
Dear Novak and Manos Families
I will always remember Ted as as a teacher who had an impact on those who knew him by modeling God's love and concern for all. He had a special place in his heart for his family, children, the poor and those marginalized by society. I am so sad and sorry for your loss. All my love, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Patty Bayham-Mazier & Family
marginalized by society. HIs family and extended
Love and prayers to all,
Patty Bayham-Mazier & Family
Laura Hopkins
June 27, 2012
Dear Novak Family:
We are saddened by the loss of you son. Mr. Novak was my son's teacher in social studies when he was in sixth grade and he was such an inspiration to my son. I'll never forget what a tremendous teacher he was to my son and that he continued to be the kind of teacher that the school desperately needs. Thank you for sharing Ted. May God Bless you in your hour of grief.
The Hopkins Family
Stacey Stanton-Taylor
June 27, 2012
Dear Mary & Greg,
I am so sorry, and there are no words. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. God bless.
Stacey Stanton-Taylor
Heidi Woehl
June 27, 2012
It was a blessing to know and work with Ted. I enjoyed sharing a laugh, story, or cup of coffee with you! I'll miss preparing the kids for mass with you next year. The whole SFX community will miss you dearly.
Karen Coad
June 27, 2012
I only knew Ted a short while as fellow student in the Social Justice program at ASU but as a parent I could tell he was the kind of son who always made his parents proud. I would have been proud to call him son. His goodness shined. I will always remember Ted with a smile in my heart.
June 27, 2012
Dear Novak Family,
Ted made a difference in my son's life. Last year he spent many hours working with him during the school day. They read Hugo Cabaret together, something my son would not have done without Ted's guidance and modeling. I also had the pleasure of working with him day in and day out as a fellow teacher. I enjoyed the many conversations about teaching we shared and really saw him shine this year with his Spanish students. He was an incredible teacher who was dedicated to his students success. My heart goes out to your family. Ted will be missed.
Sincerely,
Kelley Perry
Mary Bayham
June 27, 2012
Dear Mary,Greg and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Son, Ted. Both of you and your Family are in my prayers during this sad time for all. May you find Peace in knowing that he did God's work as he taught children and worked during his life for others. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mary Bayham
the jenkins
June 27, 2012
dear mary, greg and lindsay,
scott and i are so very sorry for your loss of your son and brother, ted. we will keep you very close in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time for you and your family. we hope that you find love and comfort from those that surround you with kindness and caring.
scott and liz jenkins
scott and liz jenkins
June 27, 2012
We are so saddened by this news. Ted Novak was a bright light at St. Francis. He will be sorely missed. You are all in our prayers.
The Wilson Family
Lindsay Woods
June 27, 2012
Mary, Greg and Lins,
there are really no words to describe how sad and sorry I am for this tremendous loss..Ted was such an amazing person who touched so so many..to say he will be missed is an understatement..you are all in my thoughts and prayers, I love you guys.
June 27, 2012
Such sad news. Our prayers are with you.
Tom and Sylvia Avery
June 27, 2012
Bob Siesco
Dan Long
June 27, 2012
You never truly realize how much of an impact a person has until you speak of them in the past tense. I'm honored to have spent the last two years working with such an inspirational person. My prayers are with your family, and you will forever be in our hearts.
June 27, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss! I had the privilege of meeting Ted a couple of years ago at SFX and was one of my daughters favorite teachers. After hearing of Ted's passing through my daughter and watching how all of her friends reacted and came together was very moving and it reminded me of my favorite quote.
Priorities: " A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.... But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."
Ted definitely had his priorities in order and will be missed greatly.
Danny, Amy, Katy and Courtney McKone
Matthew Mora
June 27, 2012
You will always be missed my brother.
June 27, 2012
Mary, Greg & Lindsay,
We are so very sorry and so very sad. Ted taught Rachel and Ruby at SFX and they both thought the world of him and always spoke with such enthusiasm about him and his class. On the last day of school I was joking with him about his blue "Jellies" shoes that he said he had been waiting the whole year to reveal. We will all miss him so much. We will pray for your family and the whole community. Much love, Emily, Rachel, Ruby & Reid Carroll
Edward Dewbray
June 27, 2012
Our children and grandchildren are the greatest thing that can happen in our lives as parents. The sorrow for the loss of our flesh and blood never ends.
May the Lord hold him in the palm of his hands.
All our love and sympathy.
The Dewbray Family.
vicki balint
June 27, 2012
We are so saddened by this tremendous loss. Ted was a bright light at BCP and XCP and we will never forget him.
With love and hugs from the Balint family.
Natalie Estrada
June 27, 2012
Words cannot say how sorry I am for your loss. Ted was such a wonderful person and truly a great older brother. I love you all and you are in my prayers.
June 27, 2012
Greg, Mary, and Lindsay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. John and Judy Crable and Family
Hayley Smith Haren
June 27, 2012
Greg, Mary, and Lindsay: I can't stop thinking about you guys. I can't even begin to express how saddened and sorry I was to hear about his passing. I am sending any and all love and positive thoughts your way. Ted was such a great inspiration to so many. Many people have the desire to make this world a better place, but so few put that desire into action as Ted has done all of these years. His positive impact was felt by so many, and I know his legacy will live on in his family, students, and everyone who knew him. I am sorry to be missing the service, but I will definitely be there in spirit. Love you guys so much.
June 27, 2012
Ted was the most special teacher!! Our daughter Paige loved his classes and spoke highly of him all the time. She learned so much from him and appreciated his passion for human rights. She simply "loved" Mr. Novak! Our prayers are with you Mary and Greg and Lindsey. We are so saddened and so sorry.. Mark and Lori Olson and family.
Max Laborin
June 27, 2012
Hi,
My name is Max. I am in the 2nd grade. Mr.Ted is my favorite teacher. He had funny stories. He gave treats if you did good. He taught me spanish and about different countries. He will always be my favorite teacher forever. I miss him. Max
Rebecca Estrada
June 27, 2012
Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with you!! One thing is for sure, God's got one more good looking angel!! Love The Estrada Family!
June 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.
Tom, Molly & Katie Johnston
The Casano Family
June 27, 2012
Words can't express our deep felt sympathy for your family at this time -
Janice Hennessey
June 27, 2012
Greg, Mary and Lindsay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult .
Ted Skowron
June 27, 2012
Ted brought love and laughter to his family, and he brought excitement to his students. He was becoming such a strong force in the SFX community. We will miss him.
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