Brian Anthony Novak

1981 - 2023

Brian Anthony Novak, of Scott Twp. and Olyphant, died unexpectedly at home on Monday. His wife is the former Alicia Tait.

Born in Scranton on Sept. 5, 1981, Brian attended LaSalle Academy, Jessup, and Bishop O'Hara High School, Dunmore, and was a graduate of Mid Valley High School, Throop, class of 2000. He also attended the culinary program at Keystone College and was employed on the culinary staff at Pines Senior Living, Clarks Summit.

Brian had a passion for music and followed the "Grateful Dead." He was a member of the "Bushwacker" camping family and enjoyed attending many craft shows with the Marquette family. Skiing, camping and road trips were his favorite pastime. He was of the Catholic faith and was also a licensed minister in the states of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and officiated the weddings for his good friends, Aaron and Rachel Cohen and Tony and Emily Cantafio.

He was the best father to Dylan and Hunter, both at home. He was the favorite son of Tony and Mary Ann Mackrell Novak, Olyphant. He is also survived by his sister and her boyfriend, Katie Novak and Cam Clark, Philadelphia; aunts and uncles, including Dave and Bernie Mackrell, Susie and Tony Tolerico, Agnes Nichols and Alan Spilar, Jeff and Terri Nichols; cousins, Jeffrey and Debbie Nichols, Shaun and Amy Mackrell, Trish and James McCullagh, Elizabeth and Jimmy Greene, Rose and Chris Hughes, Rachel Mackrell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sue and Mike Tait; brother-in-law, Addam Tait; numerous family and friends and his "pupper," Katie Mae.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, David and Jane Mackrell; and paternal grandparents, Tony and Reie Novak; aunt, Terri Longo Mackrell; and his best "puppers," Althea and Stagger Lee.

Blessing services will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Hudak-O'Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant. Rev. Scott P. Sterowski will officiate. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.

For directions or online condolences, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.