Albert John Wittmayer Novak

1921 - 2014

Albert John Wittmayer Novak, civic-minded electronics industrialist and world traveler, March 30, 1921 - August 26, 2014 At 93, he still loved to travel, loved his community, and loved philosophy, good wine, opera, a lively political debate, New York, France, Mexico, living and life. Born Grand Rapids, MI to Albert Joseph and B. Joan (Wittmayer) Novak, he matriculated Harvard College at 16 graduating with AB in Physics, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa 1941; post grad at MIT and Case Institute Technology. Lt. Commander Novak USNR served in Washington and Pacific during WWII. Married to Patricia M. Henline 1950 (div. 1980), children Patricia Carey, John Novak, David Novak, Loren Hannah; Married Suzanne Stover 1984 (deceased 2004); Married Patricia J. Heiden 2006 (deceased 2010). Mr. Novak's accomplished professional career began with engineering and management positions in several companies engaged in magnetic recording, space and military electronics, geophysical exploration, and computer power systems. Perhaps best known as founder, President, and Chairman of Novatronics Corp. 1962, which grew into a leading employer and electronics manufacturing company based in Broward County, Florida with plants in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton, FL, and Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Director Florida Coast Banks. Novak leaves an impressive legacy of civic leadership in Broward County, FL from 1962-1988 including Director and President of Fort Lauderdale Symphony Assn., Opera Guild, Museum of the Arts, Broward Mfrs. Assn., Broward Industrial Board, Community Relations Commission, Health and Rehabilitation Services, So. Florida Small Business Advisory Council, So. Florida Education Center, American Electronics Assn., Ft. Laud. Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors United Way, Pres. Harvard Club of Broward County, Industrialist of the Year, Pompano Beach 1966-7, FL Small Business Person of the Year 1977, Outstanding Service Award Elec. Mfrs. Assn. 1967. In retirement Mr. Novak traveled extensively, reportedly circling the globe four times. Survived by four children and five grandchildren, four step-children and five step-grandchildren, and dear friends in Texas and around the world. Services will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine, TX, Sept. 19 from 2:00-3:00pm.