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Walter Novelli Obituary
MOUNTAIN TOP — Dr. Walter Novelli, 55, of Mountain Top, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, on April 20, 1968, he was the son of the late Dr. Walter M. and Helen (Cannon) Novelli. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Tanya (Scoblick); son, Jack; and daughter, Ella.
Walt was a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He completed his orthodontic residency at Rutgers University (UMDNJ).
Upon completion of his orthodontic residency, he returned home to Mountain Top and opened his private orthodontic practice on South Main Road in the same office where his father practiced dentistry for over 25 years. In 2009, he joined the orthodontic department at Casey Dental in Pittston. Walt loved what he did for a living. He especially loved the interaction with his patients. He had a unique ability to create smiles, both through his practice and his light-hearted humor.
Walt was an avid sports enthusiast and competitor, with a special love for basketball, that began during his playing days at St. Jude's Elementary School. You could always find Walt playing pick-up hoops at St. Joseph's Oblates, Crestwood High School, or anywhere he could find a competitive game. He especially loved going to Jack and Ella's sporting events, and found tremendous joy in loyally following all 14 of his nieces and nephews in their athletic endeavors. He watched the local sport scene closely and took a keen interest in the hobbies and activities of his patients.
Of the many talents and gifts God had blessed Walt with, his most special might have been his unique ability to uplift those around him. He could relate to just about everyone he came in contact with, and was a skilled conversationalist, remembering specific details of personal conversations from years ago. Walt was also an exceptional listener and used this talent to find exactly the right words to cheer someone up when they were down, or boost their spirits even higher when they were joyful. His uncommon blend of strength, grace, and sincerity made a profound impact on everyone, and left us all better for having known him. He was a true gentleman.
He is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise Kochanowicz (Andrew), Wallingford, Pa.; and brother, Lou Novelli, Narbeth, Pa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 12 p.m. at St. Jude's Parish with Rev. Joseph Evanko officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours in the narthex of the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Walt's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bruce Saidman and the staff at Medical Oncology Associates in Kingston for their exceptional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Medical Oncology Associates Prescription Assistance Fund (MOA RX Fund), 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704.
Funeral arrangements are by the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Novelli
Barry Lambert
November 19, 2023
Dr. Walter Novelli Family, I will surely miss having the chance to talk and laugh with this awesome man. I cherish the memories and am honored to have had the opportunity to both play basketball and coach him in post high school basketball season in Scranton. I fondly remember the one game at Weston Field House in South Scranton where he, and a group of fellow Wilkes Barre All Stars, were playing All Stars from Scranton -including one of their best in Sal Marchese. Our team went down by a dozen in the 3rd period and during a timeout I told the team to get Walter the ball and to Walter I said - "Just Shoot". Well he did and it was one of the most impressive displays of pure shooting I've ever seen. I think he ended up with 35-40 points and drained shots from everywhere, including ones just past the half court line! We ended up losing in overtime, (after a last second, highly questionable foul in regulation by a teammate, but Walter took the team on his shoulders and helped in amazing ways, just like I'm sure he did with everyone he cared about in his life. His kindness, smile and incredible talent will always be with me. Peace, love and fond memories of him to all of his family and friends. Miss ya brother but look forward to playing a game of horse the next time we meet!
Amy Stanton Reinert
November 6, 2023
Family and friends,
What a tremendous loss! Walter was such a wonderful person! I have such fond memories of the entire Novelli family...from St. Jude´s...through Hoban and beyond! Thoughts of Walt or Lou driving the "blue shark" still make me giggle... My prayers and warm thoughts are with you all during this sad time.
Mary Berh O'Hara Mulhern
November 2, 2023
Dear Tanya, Jack and Ella,
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Walter in high school. We were in the same homeroom and our names aligned alphabetically. We started and ended our day together. In those days, the floors were cleaned nightly. Without fail, he made sure my chair was on and off the desk. I remember him as a true gentleman who was always willing to help friend.
Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Mary Beth O'Hara Mulhern
Frank Clark
November 2, 2023
Dear Tanya, Jack and Ella,
We are so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences. We will pray for all of you.
Walt was such a kind, loving and happy soul. He fought his illness bravely and still made time for others. We appreciate seeing him at family reunions and events. He will be dearly missed.
I will never forget that he made the trip to our mother´s funeral last September in spite of his illness.
May God bless and watch over you and your family and welcome Walt into heaven.
Frank, Patty and Frankie Clark
Cathy Genetti
November 1, 2023
I imagine anyone who ever knew Walt is feeling immense sadness and loss. He was such a genuine, unique, enthusiastic and beautiful soul with a contagious laugh (so much so that sometimes one could easily forget what they were laughing about).
I am grateful to have known him.
Extending heartfelt condolences to Tanya, Jack, Ella, the Novelli family and all who feel his absence.
God bless and rest in peace, Walt.
RAYMOND A BORKOWSKI
November 1, 2023
Sorry to hear about my high school classmates passing. May
God provide peace and comfort to his wife and children and immediate family. He will be missed.
Debbie Barckhausen
November 1, 2023
Walter´s classmates and fellow orthodontic residents would like to give our condolences to his family. Walter always showed great empathy for others, not only his patients, but also his friends. He set a great example for all of us and we will always remember his smile and his kindness.
With love, Sarah, Luis, Orabi, Maria Cecilia, Debbie, Ileana and Larry.
Joanne Zorzi
October 31, 2023
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Novelli family. I went to St. Jude and Bishop Hoban with Walt and his smile always lit up a room. I remember him always being such a kind person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Barry
October 31, 2023
We lost one of the good ones. I grew up with Walter in a neighborhood full of kids; he was special even back then. Liked by everyone, picked first in basketball (he liked to win )and always made you laugh. As an adult, my children learned to love him as their Orthodontist who always had the time to talk about what was happening in their lives. He genuinely cared about the welfare of others. My deepest condolences to his entire family. I'm going to miss you my friend... keep shooting those 3's.
Dr Charles Carpenter
October 30, 2023
My deepest sympathy! A true gentleman!
Gary and Mary Ann Bewick
October 30, 2023
Tanya, Jack and Ella,
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel on the passing of Walt. He was an amazing man. We will remember the nice conversations/good times we had over all the years of knowing him. Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you.
Gary and Mary Ann Bewick
Thom, Kelly, Emily, Nick, Josh & Grace Sepela
October 30, 2023
Tanya, Jack & Ella,
We were so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. We remember him as a kind, energetic person. We always enjoyed our visits to his office, he was not only a great orthodontist but had a fantastic personality as well. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Marnie (LaVigna) Oakley
October 30, 2023
Dear Tanya, Jack, and Ella:
I actually can't remember when I first met Walt--my guess is elementary school. We went to Pitt undergrad and dental school together. He even graciously sat to be one of my patients in my clinical licensure examination. Walt was a dear person who indeed lit up a room. I can still hear his infectious laugh. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was indeed an amazing professional and human being who dedicated his life to sharing his many gifts with others. Please know that we at Pitt Dental Medicine will always be especially proud of his selfless contributions to his patients and to our profession.
Amy Adamczyk Taylor
October 30, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Walt's family. I was a classmate of Walt's at Bishop Hoban. He always had a positive attitude and a fantastic smile. A truly great person. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this sad time. May he Rest in Peace.
John Twardzik
October 30, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Walter's family. I was a teacher at St. Judes and remember Walter to be a sharp kid with a sense of humor and a great personality. My God-daughter and nephew wear great smiles thanks to Walter.
Rest in Peace Walter. "Mr. T"
Elizabeth Callahan Vanesko
October 29, 2023
I am so very sorry for your families loss. There are so many wonderful things to say about your husband and father. For me ,Walter was a key part of our family life during his high school years . I will always remember the tremendous amount of joy and laughter he would bring to us every time he would enter our home . I am grateful to have been a small part of his amazing life.
Chris, Laurie and Christopher Nudo
October 29, 2023
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We got to know Dr Novelli when my son was a patient. It was such a pleasure to go to the appointments, we shared many stories and laughs. Even over the years when you would see Doc or call him with a question, he always remembered your kid. What a caring, meticulous doctor.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Kelley Best
October 29, 2023
He was an excellent doctor and person. So sorry for your loss of the wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Carolyn Madry
October 29, 2023
He was always so kind to me. A truly good person. Deepest condolences.
Luisa Bonavita
October 28, 2023
Dear Tanya,Jack, Ella and family,
I was so sad to hear about Walt's passing. I met Walt during my freshman year at Pitt. He remained a wonderful friend throughout our college years, He was always quick to share a laugh or lend a hand, or offer support.
I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mary
October 28, 2023
Thank you for being such a great friend to my dad and to our family. When I reflect back on our past interactions, I always remember you with a smile or laughing. You will be missed, but I know you are resting up in heaven and looking out for everybody. A true angel. Thank you, Dr Novelli.
Love,
Mary Ducaji
Annie Baker
October 28, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Walt´s passing. He was my classmate and friend at St. Jude´s School and Bishop Hoban High School, and the number one thing I remember about Walt was his positive attitude along with his fantastic smile! He was always a joy to be around. I remember giving him some "Now and Later" candies for our Secret Santa exchange, and I´m sure he would have frowned upon that as a dentist/orthodontist in his professional years! Walter, you will be so missed. I pray for peace and comfort for your family - you will always be remembered as one of the best humans a person could ever know!
Sheri Pudlosky Brierley
October 28, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Walt at Bishop Hoban and always remember him as being a very positive and genuine person. I do hope his family and friends find comfort in the positive memories he made with them.
James Leib
October 28, 2023
My condolences to Walt´s family and friends which I know there are many. We went to high school and college together. We rushed, pledged and became brothers at the same fraternity. I hadn´t realized this, but he was the very 1st roommate I ever had. We lived at the Delt house and shared a room our first summer as brothers. We could not have been more different, but joined by history and humor. He lit up a room. Peace my brother. Keep on eye on all of us.
Rich Bases
October 28, 2023
I played rec basketball with Walt for a time. He was a heckuva shooter but an even better guy. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. RIP.
Robert Nahill
October 28, 2023
I was class of 87 but I remember when he was the point guard of the great teams we had at that time. Condolences to the family
Kenneth Czarnota
October 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bruce Lambert
October 28, 2023
Walt was always upbeat and had a positive energy whenever I saw him. He always had a smile on his face and shared funny conversations. It was a pleasure going to school with him and to be his teammate on the basketball team at St. Jude´s and Bishop Hoban High School. He was a leader on the team, great shooter, defensive player and very fast. He would always be the first to finish the wind sprints at St. Jude´s basketball practice.
I will miss him tremendously and always have great memories.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Bruce Lambert
Liz Bayley-Kalac
October 28, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Walt. I've known him since grade school and he was always funny and kind. He had a great laugh. although we hadn't kept in touch since high school, I always thought of him as one of the "good guys". I pray for strength for his wife, children, sister and brother and the rest of the family. -
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