David J. Novak

David J. Novak, age 77, passed peacefully at home on May 21, 2024, after an extended battle with cancer. He was born on December 18, 1946, in Middletown, Connecticut to Frank and Rose (nee Duda) Novak. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Robert, and nephew Rob. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Joanne Cooper-Novak, and children Sarah Payne (David) of Chesterland, Ohio and John Novak (Sarah) of Dublin, Ohio as well as granddaughters, Emma, Aria, and Gillian Payne, siblings-in-law Barbara Novak, Arthur "Rick" Cooper, and Sharon Hines (Edward), and was the uncle, great-uncle, and cousin of many. 

David was a 1964 graduate of Middletown High School (voted Best Dressed!). He proudly served his country as a US Army MP in Germany with the 537th MP Company, 94th Battalion, 15th MP Brigade. After returning home he graduated from American International College with a BS in Business Administration. He dedicated his career to the plastic film industry with companies in both Connecticut and Ohio before retiring in 2013 from Multi-Plastics in Lewis Center, Ohio. 

David spent many happy years sailing with family and friends on Long Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay, and Lake Erie. He loved watching sports, riding his bicycle, x-country skiing, wowing his family with extensive sports trivia knowledge, beating them at bar sports like darts or beer pong, and, most importantly, making his granddaughters laugh. While in Dublin, David proudly supported both of his children on the Dublin Crew team and volunteered enormous time and labor to the team and looked forward to annually hosting family and friends for the Memorial Golf Tournament. 

After retiring, he moved with Joanne to Munson Twp, Ohio to be near their growing grandchildren. David could often be found happily line judging at his granddaughters' volleyball games (as long as they had the "good flags"). He was a member of the Bass Lake Club and enjoyed watching the lake and birds from his deck, and taking walks and playing with their dog, Lucy. David was beloved by his family and his presence will be forever missed. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to University Hospitals, his surgeons and the staff on Seidman 5 for their care, and the Hospice of the Western Reserve home care team for their support. 

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of David on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 12-2pm with the Celebration of Life Service at 2pm at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland (12811 Chillicothe Road, Rt. 306 just south of Mayfield Road). Private family burial to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David's memory to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110 or online at: https://www.hospicewr.org