Tony Novak

When you hear the name, “Tony Novak,” a smile will come across your face because he always made time for family and friends, he had a great sense of humor, and he was a very loving and thoughtful man. Also the cutest practical joker. We thank God for giving us the best-ever Dad and loving Husband to Mom. Tony is now in Heaven with Jesus. (When asked if he asked Jesus to be his Savior, his response was, “You bet I have.”) He no longer has to suffer and contend with a failing body from Alzheimer’s as he had for the last 2 ½ years. Our family prayed that God would take him before he could not recognize us, and God faithfully answered our prayers, taking him Home because of a medical complication. We are all so very grateful. His request was that everyone celebrate with him, as he is now in Heaven. We did just that. His life was celebrated in Tucson, AZ , on January 17, 2011, at 11 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church with his request of a Catholic Mass with a small gathering of family and close friends. After the eulogy, memories of him as a cute practical joker, hard-working man, and loving individual were shared. Following the Mass/Memorial, the celebration was continued at the Golden Corral restaurant where all had a great time as Tony would have wanted. As the youngest of five children, Tony Novak was born to John and Rose Novak on July 4, 1933, in Catawba, Wisconsin, in his parent’s home. As a young child, Tony and his family moved to the suburbs of Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia “Ginny ” Novak; his sister, Ann Jaraczewski; three daughters, Toni Ain (husband John Ain), Brenda Christman (husband David Christman), Ginny Wagner (husband Ed Wagner); one son, John Novak (whose wife Vicki went to Heaven in November 2009); seven grandchildren, Angie Mulholland, Nick Ain, Brandi Ain, Felicia Novak, Edward Wagner (son of Ed and Ginny Wagner) Shane Wagner, and Shawn Wagner; and six great-grandchildren. He leaves his precious “Chica” (white Chihuahua dog with a brown spot, which he called brown sugar, on her head) in the loving arms of his wife Ginny I. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was predeceased by his Dad and Mom, John and Rose Novak; and his three brothers, John Novak, Ed Novak, and Joe Novak. For the purpose of clarification, Tony’s Wife Virginia “Ginny” Novak, will be referred to as “Ginny I,” and Tony’s daughter Ginny will be referred to as “Ginny II.” Tony met his wife Ginny I in Chicago at a roller skating rink when he was 17 and she was 15. When Tony would pick Ginny I up for a date, he would have her look in the back seat, and waiting was her favorite--a bag of potato chips. He attended both Argo and Reavis High School, but graduated from Reavis High School in Burbank, IL. He was on the swim team and was an excellent swimmer and diver. He also was a lifeguard and taught all of his children to swim by age 5. At age 20 Tony was drafted into the Army to go to the Korean War. Therefore, Tony and Ginny I were immediately married in March 1953, and he left for Korea in May 1953 to serve for two years. He worked in heavy weapons, then became a driver for a colonel, and lastly was a supply clerk. Tony was given a Letter of Commendation for having passed inspection and having the finest Supply Room in the Regiment. When he returned from Korea, he and Ginny I started their family in Worth, IL. They had 4 children: Toni, Brenda, John, and Ginny II. Tony worked at Cornell Forge Company in Chicago, IL from 1951-1960. He was interested in electronics, and from 1960-1970 Tony and his brother, Joe, worked together in their business “Novak’s Television,” in Oak Lawn, IL. In February 1970 Tony moved his family to sunny Arizona, which is where he eventually retired. From 1970-1975 he worked in Tucson, AZ, for Roh’s Incorporated in the Electronics Department. He was sole proprietor of Novak’s Electronics Servicing from 1975-1977. Tony then became employed at Tucson Unified School District in the Electronics Department, earning his position as Crew Chief , then being promoted to overseeing four departments, and eventually retiring in 1994 as the Business Supply Buyer for all departments in maintenance. After moving to Tucson, AZ, he attended Pima Community College, and on December 21, 1979, he earned his Associate Degree of Applied Science in Consumer Electronic Technology. After his retirement, Tony was able to devote more time to his wife and children, his love of woodworking, square dancing, cruises with Mom, cartoon character paintings, and their summer home in the White Mountains of Arizona from May to October. He always had a project going. He did home maintenance, home improvement, electronics and electrical work. The quality of his construction was outstanding because he was so meticulous in all of the measurements and designs of his current project. He was a very patient man and paid attention to detail. He was a wonderful example to his family and those who knew him. He truly will be missed.