Albert Novak

1921 - 2014

Albert John Wittmayer Novak, civic-minded electronics industrialist and world traveler, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. Service: 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine. He was born March 30, 1921. At 93, he still loved to travel, loved his community, and loved philosophy, good wine, opera, a lively political debate, New York, France, Mexico, living and life. Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Albert Joseph and B. Joan Wittmayer Novak, he matriculated Harvard College at 16 graduating with an AB in physics, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa 1941; post grad at MIT and Case Institute of Technology. Lt. Cmdr. Novak, U.S. Navy Reserve, served in Washington and the Pacific during World War II. He married Patricia M. Henline in 1950 (divorced in 1980), with children, Patricia Carey, John Novak, David Novak and Loren Hannah. He married Suzanne Stover in 1984 (deceased in 2004); and married Patricia J. Heiden in 2006 (deceased in 2010). Mr. Novak's accomplished professional career began with engineering and management positions in several companies engaged in magnetic recording, space and military electronics, geophysical exploration, and computer power systems. He is perhaps best known as founder, president and chairman of Novatronics Corp. in 1962, which grew into a leading employer and electronics manufacturing company based in Broward County, Fla., with plants in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton, Fla., and Stratford, Ontario, Canada, and director, Florida Coast Banks. Novak leaves an impressive legacy of civic leadership in Broward County, Fla., from 1962-1988 including director and president of Fort Lauderdale Symphony Assn., Opera Guild, Museum of the Arts, Broward Mfrs. Assn., Broward Industrial Board, Community Relations Commission, Health and Rehabilitation Services, South Florida Small Business Advisory Council, South Florida Education Center, American Electronics Assn., Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors United Way, president of Harvard Club of Broward County, Industrialist of the Year, Pompano Beach 1966-67, Florida Small Business Person of the Year 1977, Outstanding Service Award Elec. Mfrs. Assn. 1967. In retirement Mr. Novak traveled extensively, reportedly circling the globe four times. Survivors: Four children, five grandchildren, four stepchildren, five stepgrandchildren, and dear friends in Texas and around the world.