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Robert Novak Obituary
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Brother Robert Novak had been on the Iona College Faculty since 1976. Originally from Newark, NJ, where he attended Essex Catholic High School, he joined the Christian Brothers in 1967. After graduating from Iona College in 1972 with a major in Physics, we went back to Essex Catholic where he taught Physics and coached soccer. Meanwhile, he pursued a Master's Degree in Physics at Stevens Institute of Technology. After completing that degree, he began teaching part-time at Iona College while studying for a doctorate at Colombia University. Upon receiving a Ph.D., he became a full-time faculty member at Iona College in 1980 until his retirement in 2018.
In the early 1990's, he became an active member of, "Cosmos and Creation," a group of active scientists who are also very active in their religion. Their pursuit of science is seen in the larger picture of obtaining a better understanding of God's Creation, and likewise, a better understanding of God. In 2008, Br. Novak and twelve other members of this group took an eight day trip to Beijing, China where they visited a location where the Jesuit Paleontologist, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, lived, worked, and wrote. His writings are among the most influential spiritual writings of the twentieth century.
In the 1980's, the Brothers at Iona College established a fund to support Brothers from other Provinces to study at Iona. Ten years ago, the Brothers Community decided to direct these funds to support the education of Brothers from Africa to attend Iona and finish their Bachelor's degrees and possibly stay for a Master's degree. Since then, several have returned from Africa. Br. Novak had been coordinating this program for the past fifteen years.
He is survived by his brother Denis, his sister-in-law, Cheryl, his nieces Teresa, Elizabeth, and Mary, as well as several cousins.
Visiting Thursday 11/17 3-7pm
Mass Friday 11/18 Holy Family Church at 9:30am
Interment Friday 11/18 Christian Brothers Cemetery 1850 Route 9W
West Park, New York, 12493 USA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Jim Ruffalo
November 16, 2022
Bob and I both graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1967and we both attended Iona College. The last time I saw him was the 40th reunion from high school in 2007. He was a friend and a very special person.
Anthony Strazzeri
November 15, 2022
I just saw Brother Novak at my 50th reunion from Iona College , one month ago. We were in several math classes together. He may have been the smartest classmate in math although he was a physics major. In the short time that we were together he mentioned he recently had to use a cane. Typical of Brother Novak to speak about this in a calm manner. He actually looked good in comparison to some of our 40 classmates who attended the Friday festivities. As we made our way down the steps of Spellman Hall I said see you at the next reunion. He was the last classmate I saw before I left Iona. Rest in Peace, Brother Novak. Fight the good fight in heaven.
Eugene Cassone `79
November 15, 2022
Sorry to hear about him leaving us. I was in one of his first physics classes! I remember well his enthusiasm! One of my favorite courses! A life well lived!
Eugene Cassone MD `79
Carmela Musial
November 14, 2022
I´m so sorry to hear of the loss of Brother Novak. He was my physics professor at Iona. He was an excellent teacher and gave his time generously to help his students. He was a lovely person; kind, caring and very humble.
Carmela Musial `90
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