Name: Visitation for Dr. Peter Stephen Novack
Start: 2026-02-08T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-02-08T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Richardson Davis Chapel

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Snyder Funeral Homes, Richardson Davis Chapel on Feb. 5, 2026.

Dr. Peter Stephen Novack died Wednesday February 4, 2026 at Ohio State University Hospital. Steve was born October 27, 1956 to Peter and Helen (Miller) Novack, and was the proud grandson of Ukrainian immigrants, John and Anna Novack. He was raised in the mountains of Georgia with his sisters Barbara, Lisa, and Melanie. He attended Lee College and medical school at Oklahoma State University, and later received his Master's in Healthcare Delivery from Dartmouth. Following medical school, he served in the U. S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Gulf War, where he was stationed in Saudi Arabia.

In Galion, he teamed up with Dr. Daryl Sander to provide 24hr on call surgical coverage for Galion and Bucyrus hospitals for many years. He then found his passion battling the opioid epidemic, first as Galion Health Department Medical Director, then as an addiction medicine specialist for Avita Hosptital.

He has been described as a Renaissance man; loving to paint, play music, read Catholic philosophy, bake sourdough bread, ski, sail, and work on his farm. Most of all, however, he loved to talk- to anyone, anywhere, about anything.

He is survived by his wife Melany of 35 years; his children Elizabeth, Steve Jr. (Samu), Sarah, Michael (Julianne), Catherine, Maddy (Nick), and Hannah; his grandchildren Eddie (Rachel), Victor (Kaylee), Anya, Rea, and Ella; and great-granddaughter Hadlee.

This prayer from Mass was very important to him, "It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord."

In lieu of flowers, please send donation to Avita Health Foundation: Attention Dr. Stephen Novack Innovation Fund 269 Portland Way South Galion, Ohio 44833 and write: to Dr Novack Innovation Fund.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday February 8, 2026 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday February 9, 2026 at 11:00 am St. Joseph Catholic Church, 135 N. Liberty St. Galion, Ohio 44833 with Reverend Paul Fahrbach officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Dr. Peter Stephen Novack, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

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Recent Activity

February 7, 2026

Helen and Bob Guinther posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2026

Kei Sullivan posted to the memorial.

February 6, 2026

Rick and Dianna Zaebst posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Helen and Bob Guinther

February 7, 2026

Dear Novack Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Novack's passing. As both a colleague and a friend, we had the privilege of working alongside him in healthcare and sharing our experiences judging science fair projects across the county. His passion for medicine and commitment to our community were truly inspiring.

Dr. Novack's presence will be greatly missed, and he leaves a significant void in the medical community in Galion. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Helen and Bob Guinther

Kei Sullivan

February 7, 2026

He was a such gentleman and joy to work with! See you one day in heaven, brother!

Rick and Dianna Zaebst

February 6, 2026

So sorry for the family's loss! Prayers for peace and comfort for the whole family. It was truly a pleasure to serve in the recovery service with a man of his dedication to the recovery service! RIP Steven!

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Dr. Tom Fellner

February 6, 2026

I had the privilege to be both a patient of and the dentist to Dr. Novack. There were always more deep conversations than actual treatment, much to the dismay of our staff members, who begged us to stay on time with the schedule. His best line was, "We are not God, but we can be the answer to a prayer." Love you, brother.

Joe Graham

February 6, 2026

To the doctor's family, loved ones, and friends:

You have my deepest condolences and sympathies on the loss of such a tremendous man. Although I'm certain his kindness and love continues through you, his passion bettered the lives of hundreds of people, hundreds of families across our region.

In the ashes of a wasted pasts he helped plant the seeds of hope, change, and growth. One addict saved helps dozens of people around them. In that context it can be said that Doctor Novack helped *thousands* of people around our area.

Thank you for sharing him with us. May the Lord wrap you in His arms and ease your pain. Know that so many of us, the recipients of the hope he planted, grieve with you.

God bless you and keep you.

PAUL ZIMMERMAN

February 6, 2026

Melany and family my sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Peter as he was my doctor at one time when I came in before a procedure I was to have. He was kind and friendly.

Andrea (Tyo) Cinadr

February 6, 2026

The Galion City Health Department thanks you for your years of service to advance public health in Galion, and serving as Galion's Health Commissioner and Medical Director.

Dr. Roy W. Harris

February 6, 2026

Pete you will be missed my brother, you have literially touched thousands of lives that live on thanks to you and God almighty to share your endless legacy! Such is the honor and priviledge to serve our fellow man! You will live forerver in many hearts! I learned much from you my friend! PS Say hi to A. T. Still.

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Funeral Services Provided By

Snyder Funeral Homes, Richardson Davis Chapel

218 S. Market Street, Galion, OH 44833