Terry Michael Novak

Terry Michael Novak obituary, Romulus, MI

Terry Michael Novak

Terry Novak Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 18, 2024.
Terry Michael Novak

March 6, 1962 - August 28, 2024

Terry Novak, born in Dearborn, Michigan on March 6, 1962, passed away at his home in Romulus on August 28, 2024. A sharp-minded and tenacious man, Terry had an unwavering sense of independence and always did things in his own way. His greatest pride and honor was his family.

In his younger years, Terry was an accomplished athlete, excelling in karate. He operated his own karate studio for several years before transitioning into the family insurance business, where he later established his own successful agency. Throughout his life, Terry was dedicated to giving back, volunteering his time and talents to various organizations, including Sweetest Heart of Mary in Detroit, a reflection of his deep connection to his proud Polish heritage.

Terry had a natural talent for many things, especially cooking, a skill he lovingly passed on to his daughters. But his true passions were always his family, boating, cars, and sharing unforgettable moments with the people in his life. Above all, his greatest pride was being a devoted father, partner, and friend.

Terry is survived by his fiancée and partner of 22 years, Susan Retherford; his daughters, Jessica (Nathan) Lynn Ayers, Tara (Jack) Kathryn Henstridge, Lauren Elizabeth Novak, and Kristen Nicole Novak; his beloved grandchildren, Beau, Sebastian, Henry, and Amelia; his siblings, Pamela (Rick) Mato, Frank Novak, and Tim Novak; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Preceding him in peace were his parents Frank and Josephine Novak, and brothers Rick and David.

Memorial and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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July 19, 2025

James Ronald posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Steve King posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Kenneth Ford posted to the memorial.

James Ronald

July 19, 2025

My wife and I were both students and friends of Terry while he had his studio in Brighton. Wow, can't believe that he has pasted. He was always on fire and larger than life. RIP my friend.

Steve King

May 5, 2025

I just found out yesterday that Terry passed away. I´m so sorry to hear this. He was my first Tae Kwon Do instructor back when they called it Korean Karate in 1979 at Truman High School in Taylor. I have great memories of Terry and Master Modos and they started me off on a great path of martial arts. He was a tremendous athlete and dynamite instructor. Love and prayers to his family. Chung Do Kwan !
Steve King

Kenneth Ford

May 5, 2025

Kenneth Ford

Kevin Painter

January 27, 2025

Terry Novak, I enjoyed watching his skill in a Tournament at Ann Arbor with him in 1980, also attended his Detroit class. Knew him first in Bryant Jr. High, great person, fantastic skill with Tae Kwon Do. I hope he had a wonderful life being a father, husband and confidant, Dearborn, Detroit, Michigan & The USA lost a wonderful friend.

david joseph lacroix

December 10, 2024

I helped him open the Brighton Karate studio,,,,, with Edward Sell. Master Motus.....he was a great friend_ im so sorry I lost touch...its sad to see a good man go....anyone know his brother david...? Im at 254 291 0903 ...can someone tell me what happened?

Paul Grihorash

November 13, 2024

A man with a unique sense of humor. Will be missed.
Let the perpetual light shine upon him.

Ram Vanapalli

November 8, 2024

Terry was our business insurance agent for over 12 years and he was a great guy to know. Always helpful, insightful, resourceful, kind and would always give us the right advice. Deeply saddened by his passing. Our condolences to his family and friends. Will miss him tremendously.

Gary Kucharski

September 20, 2024

I met Terry on the dock at Sindbads over 25 years ago, when I found out he had 4 daughters and I had five, we became kindered spirits. Thought out the years we became more than just summer time dock drinking buddies, helping each other out in lifes endevors. When I moved from the Detroit area we stayed in touch via phone calls and dinners at Sindbads when I came to town. We spoke at length re: his accident and how it changed his outlook on life and death. Over the years he was always upbeat despite whatever was going on in his life. Terry was a man of character and he was a "character", he was my friend and he will be sorely missed in my life!
Gary Kucharski

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Sign Terry Novak's Guest Book

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July 19, 2025

James Ronald posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Steve King posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Kenneth Ford posted to the memorial.