Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael NOVARESE Obituary
January 10, 1926 - June 4, 2010
Michael Novarese passed away on June 4th, 2010 at St. John of God in Los Angeles. He was a resident of Los Angeles for over 60 years and also a resident of Palm Desert, CA.
Michael Novarese was born in Memphis, TN on January 10th, 1926. He was the fourth son of Cesarina and Marcelo Novarese. Michael graduated from Christian Brothers High School, enlisted into the Army during World War ll, and saw action in the Belguim and German Campaigns. From there Michael ventured on to Los Angeles graduating from Woodbury College with many honors. Going into the Fashion Design industry, he became one of the foremost designers from 1960-1990. He was elected into the Smithsonian Institute representing American Designers from 1970-1980. He designed gowns for Jane Russell, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Dolores Hope, Jan Clayton, Dinah Shore, and many of the Ambassadors wives during the Reagan Administration. Michael was also a member of the Knights of Malta. After retiring in 1992 he was on the advisory board at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising where he established the Novarese Scholarship fund, and mentored many students who went on to become important designers. He became active in many charities such as Daughters of Charity/Meals on Wheels, The Sister Servants of Mary Guild, St. Anne's Maternity Home, and the Poor Clares in Memphis TN.
He leaves behind his partner of 36 years, Robert Nelson, a sister-in-law, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, Friday June 11th, 2010 at St. Victor's Catholic Church, 8634 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's honor to Sister Servants of Mary, 2131 W. 27th, LA, CA 90018.
Please sign online guest book at www.callanancares.com
Callanan & Woods Scovern Mortuary (323) 462-2266
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael NOVARESE
Scarlett Norris Huenergardt Adams
June 3, 2025
Michael was a gifted fashion designer, and was responsible for my beautiful wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses. Also flower girl and ring bearer outfits. 1976
Michael Desjardins
July 22, 2023
My name is Michael Desjardins and I worked for Michael back in the 80s with Warren Caton. He was a mentor and someone I looked up to. He taught me so much of values and hard work.
Fr. Jesse Montes
March 18, 2021
Michael was a friend of the Salesians of Don Bosco. I was not a priest yet but was studying to be one. I am now. He helped us in so many ways it is highly laudable. He used to treat me so well. I love him. He is in heaven for all the good he did. I was privileged to have been his friend for such a short time.
maggie jensen
July 3, 2010
I am so deeply sorry to hear of michael's passing. I thought of he
and robert so often and he was the kindest and sweetest of gentlemen, not to mention a fabulous talent. I learned so much from michael during our friendship and will always remember him
with great respect and happy thoughts, he was always so nice to
everyone, especially his chairities..god bless him always.
warmly, maggie jensen, beverly hills, california
maggie jensen
July 3, 2010
I am so saddened to hear that michael novarese passed away. I liked him very much and he was always so dear and sweet and was such a lovely and talented man.
I learned so much from him during our
friendship. His love for his charities and his loved ones and his friends. god bless you I will think of you often. warmest memories..
maggie jensen
The FIDM Library Staff Members
June 14, 2010
Our thoughts bring back many memories of a compassionate man who shared his talents with Students hungry for his words of encouragement and praise
June 12, 2010
Our condolences and sympathy for all who will miss him.
Johann Candiano Stallings and family
Marina Rodriguez
June 11, 2010
Mr. Novarese was a very talented and compassionate man. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked for Giba-Noblia in Beverly Hills, CA. His visits to our showroom and our collaborations with him at fashion shows were always enjoyable occasions. Rest in peace, Mr. Novarese.
June 11, 2010
We offer our sympathy to the loved ones of Michael. He was blessed with a myriad of artistic talents and will be missed by all. Patti & Jean
Frances Novarese
June 11, 2010
The world has lost a talented and generous person.
With love,
The Novarese Family - Frances, Billy Frank, and Lisa
Edward T. Clarke
June 10, 2010
We will miss your charm, sense of humor and incredible spirit and love of life.
ed & glenn
June 10, 2010
Mihael Novarese was a true gentleman as well as a great talent. I respected him deeply back in the old days when he generously provided fashion shows benefitting the Cloistered Carmelite nuns in Alhambra and I covered them for the Pasadena newspaper.
Marjorie Krieg, Carlsbad, Ca.
June 10, 2010
Jim and Myrna Glenny
June 10, 2010
We will miss your sense of humor and generosity. The Interns and Staff of The Fidm Scholarship Foundation
Lisa Orrantia
June 10, 2010
The world will miss your talent, but I will miss YOU.
Yvette Alexander
June 9, 2010
A very talented, generous person. We will miss you about town always looking so dapper. Respectfully, Yvette
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Michael NOVARESE's name
Memorial Events
for Michael NOVARESE
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael NOVARESE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
