Joseph Novak

Dear Heidi, Thank you and Joe for the many years of friend ship shared with us and for your kindness to my sister Jane. We were family, no matter where or when that drew us closer as the years passed.I can't imagine your distress but pray that memories of Joe will warm your heart and the love of your children will fill your life as the passage of time lessens your sorrow. We love you Heidi and Joe and will miss him.
We are sorry to have missed the ceremony as i am having problems with radiation therapy of my neck.
Love to your children.
George and Eileen Gerneth

My sympathy to the Novak Family.
In 1965 I had a spinal chord injury due to a diving accident. The surgeons told my parents i'd never walk again. After recovering from the surgery, Dr. Novak came into the picture. After a year of physical therapy at Mercy and St. Francis Hospitals, I walked out. I'll never forget him. He'll always be in my prayers. Thanks Doc!

To Heidi and all the Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayer. Be comforted in knowing that so many people support you in your loss. We have all been blessed in knowing such a wonderful man. Whenever I look at my Austria pictures from the trip of 2004, I will think of Joe, and all of you--and I will especially remember his story of climbing the Grossglockner!

To the Novak Family:

It is with great sadness that I learn about the passing of Joseph Novak, M.D. He was a very fine physician and more importantly an exceedingly good human being. My first encounter with him was as a resident at St. Francis Hospital and later as a colleague at Mercy Hospital. He was my mentor - an outstanding teacher. He instilled in me many sound principles of care that I in turn have passed on to the next generation of physicians. I found him to be a very kind, caring and dedicated physician. His ability to manage very difficult patients with severe physical and emotional handicaps was most impressive. He was very patient oriented - the patient always came first. Even in this sad time, the entire Novak family can be very proud of the accomplishments of Joseph Novak, M.D.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

John Perri, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery - University of Pittsburgh

Dear Novaks,
We will always treasure the precious times spent with Joe and all of you at Hidden Valley. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Blessings!

Mrs. Novak & family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this sad time. It was a pleasure working for such a caring physician.

Dear Novak's,
I had a rush of memories today when my mom, Sally Buchanan told me of Dr. Novak's death. We all have such great memories of our years spent skiing at Hidden Valley and all the wonderful times and parties that we had.I know he will be greatly missed by your wonderful family , but memories live on forever!!!

Dear Mrs. Novak & Family,
It is with sadness that I write this note. I have fond memories of Dr. Novak working with my father at SFGH. It was a treat to see his smiling face & he was a good man. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts.

We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Novak Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

The Stone-Fiore Group
at Smith Barney,

Bo, Joan, Chris, Joan and Sam

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so happy that he is now in a better place and that the end was peaceful. May you find the strength to survive the coming weeks. Heidi, know that he is waiting for you on the other side and you will see him again.....

FRIEND - MENTOR - TEACHER
We pledge to carry on the work that you have inspired us to do with compassion and love. We will pursue the goals that you have instilled within us. Out of the past and into the future, you are more powerful now than ever before, Our Love & dedication always.

Dr. Joseph Novak, a long-time member and Chairman of the Austrian Nationality Room Committee, endeared himself to our staff with his charming manner, good humor and efficiency. As I had lived in Austria from 1948-1950 and was aware of his Romanian birth, we had a special bond. In recent years, our friendship deepened as he and Heidi lived nearby and could attend our New Years Eve festivities. Joseph's passing leaves a palpable vacuum. His intelligence and warmth will be missed at the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms program. We extend our deep condolences to his loving family.
E. Maxine Bruhns
Director

Our deepest sympathy to Heidi, and your family. Joe has touched so many people in his life with his extraordinary talents, wisdom, and humor. My favorite story that Joe told me was when, as a medical student in Graz, he, and his friends turned the street signs during the war to confuse the invading army! Condolance extended also from the Cimoch family.