Daniel Novarr

Daniel Novarr, age 60, of Bloomfield, died peacefully, Tuesday, (January 28, 2014), in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and family by his side. He was the beloved husband, for 33 years, of Avra (Grodinsky). Born in Hartford, he was the only son of Leo and Sylvia (Greenbaum) Novarr. He was a graduate of the Yeshiva of Hartford, Kingswood-Oxford High School, 1971, where he made All-New England as a Lacrosse player, and was a Yale University graduate in 1975. He was well known at Yale for his ability to consume a large pizza in 12 minutes. For the past 37 years, Dan worked at the family business as the third generation, with Star Silk and Woolen Company in Hartford. He was a life member of B'nai Brith and Hadassah and was past President of the Bloomfield Jaycees. Dan was a true "Renaissance Man," with interests that spanned countless subjects. He loved Broadway shows, which included seeing Les Miserables nine times, and had fun conversing in French. He loved to discuss politics and history, particularly the US Civil War and sports. The Novarr family has always been very competitive in sports and athletics starting with Dan's parents. Dan always carried this competitiveness and shared his passion by coaching, playing, and talking about sporting events. He also coached youth soccer, baseball and basketball. Over the last 11 years, Dan made the Wintonbury Hills Golf Club his second home and playing field. There he has been a charter member of its Men's Club and is a past Board member. He has won several golf tournaments and scored a whole-in-one on the 12th hole at the Club. Dan enjoyed his weekly discussions with his friend and teacher, Rabbi Samuels. Dan was a UCONN basketball season ticketholder for the past 30 years. He attended all four of the men's Final Four trips and two of the UCONN women's Final Four appearances. Dan was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and dear friend. Besides his devoted wife Avra, he is survived by his parents, Leo and Sylvia Novarr of Bloomfield, his two sons, who are his pride and joy: Dr. Matthew Novarr and his fiancé Mandy Ewing of Dunn Loring, VA and Jason Novarr of Aliso Viejo, CA, his sisters: Susan Schenker and her husband Michael of Simsbury and Davida Novarr of Oakland, CA, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Mark Steinfeld of West Hartford, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who Dan entertained with his card tricks, juggling and sports knowledge. Dan was predeceased by his sister, Harriet Novarr, who was also a gifted competitive athlete on the collegiate level. Dan will be remembered for his infectious good humor and his heart of gold. He was a loyal and caring friend and will be missed by so many but forever in our hearts. The funeral will be TODAY at 1:00 PM at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive with Rabbi David Small officiating. Interment will follow at the Brahilover Cemetery, corner of Garden Street and Cleveland Avenue Extension off of Tower Avenue in Hartford. Following interment the family will receive friends and observe Shiva at the home of Daniel and Avra in Bloomfield with an evening service at 7:00 PM and will receive again on Sunday from Noon to 4:30 PM concluding with a service. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Rabbi Samuels for his friendship, teachings and inspiration and also to the staff at St. Francis Cancer Center, especially Dr. Sporn, Kim Hull and Vidya Brown and his caregivers, especially Lisa Spencer of the Hospice of Masonicare. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the St. Francis Cancer Center or the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, 74 Cheshire Road, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT. 0649, the Emanuel Synagogue, or to a charity of donor's choice. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc., West Hartford.