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Joseph Novak Obituary
Age 85, of Springdale Twp., formerly of Fox Chapel on Saturday, March 8, 2008. Beloved husband of Adelaide "Heidi" Novak; loving father of Joseph Novak Jr. (Debbie) of New Kensington, Cornelia Harlovic (Michael) of Blawnox, Barbara Novak of Cardiff by the Sea, CA, Heidi Craig of Salt Lake City, UT, Peter Novak (Lynette) of Longmont, CO, Luis Balcazar (Mona) of Coral Gables, FL; cherished grandfather of Roman, Ellie, Eric, Kelsey, Corinne, Alex, Maria Laura and Andres; uncle of Helga Georgescu (John) and Steven (Emily), all of Pgh. Dr. Novak was born in Faget, Romania, educated by the Piarists in Temesuar. He attended medical school in Graz, Austria. Joseph migrated to Australia and worked for the Commonwealth in the last Polio epidemic of children in Immigrant Camp Somers, Victoria. He emigrated to the United States in 1957 and trained at New York University, at Bellevue Hospital under Dr. Howard Rusk's Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 1961 he started the Rehabilitation Center at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Dr. Novak became Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at St. Francis Hospital, Lawrenceville. He retired in 1993 to spend his time with his wife in the Laurel Highlands, Somerset, PA. Always dedicated to family and now with much joy remembered as our "Opa" who has given us all a precious history and legacy. Friends received Fri., March 14, 4pm-8 pm in WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME 100 Center Ave Aspinwall. A Christian Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Victory R.C. Church, Harwick. Everyone please meet at church. Interment private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Austrian Room Scholarship Fund, University of Pittsburgh, 1209 Cathedral of Learning, Pgh., PA 15260 or Center for Compassionate Care, 50 Moffett St., Pgh., PA 15243.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
13 Entries
George Gerneth MD
March 16, 2008
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
John Colosimo
March 12, 2008
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!
Sister Mary Traupman
March 12, 2008
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!
John Perri
March 12, 2008
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
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Leslie, Scott and Laurie Thompson
March 12, 2008
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!
Margie (Miller) Gorski
March 11, 2008
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.
Maribeth Buchanan- Meals
March 11, 2008
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!!!
Tom Winner III
March 11, 2008
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.
March 11, 2008
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
Galina Barford
March 10, 2008
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.....
Anne-Carol & Tom, Kayla & Tommy TAWODA
March 10, 2008
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.
E. Maxine Bruhns
March 10, 2008
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
Christine Hoover
March 10, 2008
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.
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