Frank J. Novak

Lieutenant Colonel Frank J. Novak (USAF), 80, of Bedford, NH, passed away at his residence on November 3, 2025 after a short battle with Leukemia.

He was born in New York City, NY on June 29, 1945, the son of the late Frank and Frieda (Puttre) Novak. He was a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School, Briarwood, NY in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan University in 1967 and a Master of Science in Industrial Management from NYU in 1969. Frank was commissioned in the USAF through the ROTC program and proudly served his country for 26 years. He was also a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, and The Air War College. He held advanced certifications from the National Defense University in its Acquisition Professional Development, Program Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Planning Research & Development Technology Management, and Test & Evaluation Programs.

He was an avid ocean cruiser, taking two to three trips per year, and encouraged everyone he met to do the same. He spent many years traveling the world with the military and with his family. Frank was a lover of animals, especially dogs, and would make friends with any he met on his walks and offer them treats. Frank was a devout Catholic and a big supporter of St. Jude’s’s Children’s Hospital.

Family members include his daughter, Cassandra Novak of Bedford, a son, Craig Novak of Bedford, and his grandson, Colton Hackett.

Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, on Thursday, November 13th from 4 to 6 PM with a funeral service to follow in the funeral home chapel at 6 PM. A private burial service with military honors will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/give. For more information or to view an online memorial, go to www.phaneuf.net.