GREGORY VINCENT NOVAK
September 30, 1961 - December 11, 2024
Gregory Vincent Novak, a devoted friend, distinguished attorney, and generous benefactor, passed away December 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. His life was one of remarkable achievements, enduring contributions, and profound care for those around him.

Greg was born in Kansas City, Kansas and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas where he attended and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. Next, he was off to Houston where he attended and graduated from Rice University's Will Rice College, earning degrees in geology/economics, and political science. Following Rice, Greg went on to pursue his law degree at Texas Tech University School of Law. Subsequently, he earned a master's in business administration from Oxford University's Saïd Business School – an event that solidified his love for London and the UK. His academic achievements culminated in his founding of the Novak Druce Center for Professional Service Firms at Oxford, where he remained a benefactor and proud supporter.

Professionally, Greg was an active and respected member of the international intellectual property community. In the United States, Greg and his partners founded Novak Druce+, which grew into a highly respected intellectual property boutique law firm with over 100 lawyers. Under his leadership, the firm's clients ranged from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups in biotechnology, agriculture, green energy, artificial intelligence, and many more. His dedication to achieving his clients' intellectual property goals set a standard in the industry and earned the firm accolades from Forbes Magazine Legal Black Book, Best Lawyers, and Chambers USA, among others. Greg's stealthy understanding and utilization of the law made him a trusted advisor to companies and innovators alike.

Beyond legal work, Greg was committed to advancing education and innovation. For many years he funded multiple prizes awarded by Rice University at its Business Plan Competition, prizes that supported dozens of early-stage companies typically focused on advanced animal husbandry and related agricultural pursuits. Greg's generosity empowered emerging entrepreneurs and reflected his belief in the transformative power of innovation.

Greg was also especially proud to serve as a trustee of the Max Planck Institute for Neuroscience, a role that showcased his passion for advancing global scientific research. His involvement in such groundbreaking work was emblematic of a life devoted to creating opportunities for progress and discovery.

Though his professional achievements were extensive, Greg will be most remembered by those who knew him well for his kindness, his quick wit and his unwavering love and loyalty to family and friends. He was a passionate mentor to countless young lawyers, though he would never have called himself one, in his view, he simply encouraged them to strive to be their very best.

Greg is survived by his mother, Rita Novak, and is predeceased by his father, Donald Novak. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Novak, his sister-in-law, Julie, his nephew, Trevor and his niece, Claire. Greg is also survived by his business, law, and life partner of 38 years, Tracy Druce.

Greg wished to be remembered in keeping with his Catholic faith and to celebrate the joyful moments shared with each of us. To honor his wishes, a Mass will be held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in San Antonio at 10:30 a.m. on January 10, 2025. Additionally, a Celebration of Life gathering is planned for early February, with details to be shared following the holidays.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

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