Michael Francis Novilla

NOVILLA, Michael Francis 76, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday, Sept. 15, at home. Born in Waukesha, WI, he received his pharmacy degree from Ferris State University in 1957. After moving to St. Petersburg in 1959, he worked at Pasadena Drugs as a pharmacist. He received his J.D. degree from Stetson College of Law in 1963, and maintained a private law practice for over 35 years. He was a supporter and board member of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, where he also provided legal counsel, and volunteered in the pharmacy for over 30 years. Mike was the first Pinellas/Pasco recipient of the Bar's President's Pro Bono award. Mike was a man of kindness, integrity and wit, with a heart for serving others. He will be greatly missed. He was a Christian. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Leslie (Clark) Novilla; two sons, Michael S. Novilla, and Christopher A. (Lindsey) Novilla; a daughter, Julie Schultz; two sisters, Juliann (Roger) Hansen, and Roseline (Thomas) Hagen; a sister-in-law Sally Novilla; a granddaughter, Sabrina Schultz, and a grandson, Christopher F. Novilla. Memorial services will be 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 301 58th St. So. St. Petersburg. Visitation will start at 12 pm. A celebration of life gathering will follow at NOVA 535, located at 535 Dr. MLK, Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg from 2 pm - 5 pm. Mike's family wishes to thank the Coral and Purple Teams of the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, 863 3rd Ave. No., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760. Online memorial and guestbook at brettfuneralhome.net