DR. JOSEPH F. NOVAK

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Novak, he will be greatly missed. Psalms 90:10 says that those who live to be 80 and older have "extra strength", Dr. Novak had that. May you keep your fond memories of him always in your heart as you seek the comfort and peace that only comes from God at this time sorrow.

Dr Novak was my doctor froe when i was a baby in yhe fifties until he retred.
He was a great doctor and even better man

Dan OKain

Joe was a friend, neighbor, mentor, councilor, confident, and a true role model for me and I know many other colleagues. Joe guided me throughout my career as an eye surgeon and he provided invaluable advice available only from a leader and an insider. He was my professional father, as well as the godfather of our only son, Sean. Joe had a photographic memory and enjoyed conversation covering microsurgery, politics, sports or business, all with the most recent facts to continue his treatise of the moment. Close friends remember well his humorous side, sometimes ribald to say the least, his endless smile and deep chuckle. Joe cared above all for his family. He was a loving husband through good health and bad, a dedicated brother to our neighbor Gertrude, and he provided selflessly for his children. Joe always had a plan: for business, for loved ones, for medicine, for his partners. Master of the proactive gesture, he always made the best of a donation to the hospital, the adoption of new technology, or procurement of a rare Chinese work of art. I remember as a child the respect and fear he created around his ancient oriental tapestries glorifying their living room, and as an adult I fondly recall his unmitigated joy with the procurement of a rare Ming Dynasty vase. With his passing, we all know there will never be another like him: thank you Joe for everything.

I worked with Dr. Novak at Eye and Ear Hospital from 1965-1985 and remembered him for his professionalism, kindness to his patients and nursing staff and great surgical skills. May His Memory Be Eternal.

To his family my deepest condolences. My late father,Joseph Chodock,discovered Dr.Novak and sent my late mother, Leah to him in 1945. I started to see him in December, 1947, about four months after I turned four. I see also that my mother was born one day before him. He was an excellent Physician and a kind man.

Many great memories of Dr. Joe. Grew up on Glen Ridge with John and Anne. Dr. Joe used to pick me up and take me to his office to check my eyes. Always so kind and generous. He was mentor for my brother John and inspired and helped him in his career as an opthalmologist. He will be missed terribly by many.

Jan Sheppard (Johnston)