Robert Novosad

1920 - 2011

Robert S. Novosad

May 1, 1920 -

January 15, 2011

Dr. Robert S. Novosad of Cantonment, Florida passed away quietly in his home on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the age of 90.

Robert Novosad was born on May 1, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Stephan Novosad, a Russian emigre, and Anna Gunstrom Novosad, a Swedish American. Robert's parents died in his childhood and he was raised by his loving grandmother, Gunstrom.

He graduated from Armour Institute (presently Illinois Institute of Technology) with a degree in chemical engineering just as America was entering World War II. In October 1942 he finished his program at the Officer's Candidate School and entered the Army Air Corps as a technical supply officer. Volunteering to go overseas in 1943 he and was sent to North Africa. On the voyage over his ship was sunk by a German submarine, fortunately he and the others on his lifeboat were saved by a destroyer in the same convoy. From 1943 to the end of the war he remained stationed in various African locations. Dr. Novosad returned to Chicago where he married Eleanor McElhaney on March 9, 1946. In April of 1946 he was officially discharged from the military with the rank of Major.

Dr. Novosad continued his education at the University of Chicago where he received his masters and PhD in mathematics. He taught as a professor of mathematics at Tulane University and then at Pennsylvania State University. In 1960 the newly created space program gave him another opportunity. He and his family relocated to Denver, Colorado where he worked as a systems analyst for the Martin Marietta Co. Dr. Novosad seemed to really enjoy his work in the space race; among his many projects was the design for an apparatus to grow algae for food and oxygen in a space station. He was a member of Sigma Xi, American Aeronautical Society and the American Mathematical Society, where he presented numerous papers. In 1969 he relocated to Pensacola to teach at the University of West Florida in the Aeronautical Systems Department. In retirement he spent his time; gardening, playing bridge, caring for his children and grandchildren, and traveling around the world with his devoted wife, Eleanor.

Dr. Novosad is survived by his wife, Eleanor Novosad; five children, Diane Novosad Dillingham of Denver, Colo., Stephan Robert Novosad of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Richard Douglas Novosad (Laura), of Naples, Fla., Carl Frederick Novosad (Alix), of Brisbane, Australia, and Dr. Claire Novosad Best (Michael) of Branford, Conn.; and six grandchildren, Michele Baxter Carr (Josh), Robert Baxter, Jennifer Novosad, Veronica Novosad, Xena Novosad, and Nathaniel Novosad; also two great-grandchildren, Gavin Carr, and Kylie Baxter.

Robert Novosad was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and great-grandfather to all the members of his family and he will be very much missed by them.

Graveside services will be will be at Barrancas National Cemetery on February 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Flowers and contributions are not desired by the family.

The family thanks Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving care.

WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.

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