OBITUARY NOTICE:
Brother Theodore W. Novak, SA – Franciscan Friar of the Atonement
(June 28, 1941 – April 22, 2020)
(April 28, 2020 – Graymoor, Garrison, NY). Brother Theodore (nee Albin) W. Novak, SA, a Franciscan Friar of the Atonement, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Br. Novak was born on June 28, 1941 in Middletown, CT. He attended Hubbard Elementary School and Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown. Br. Novak entered the Fraternity upon his graduation from high school in 1959 and received the habit in 1960. He made his first vows in 1962 and professed final vows in 1967.
Br. Novak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Elder Care from Empire State College, Purchase, NY in 1992.
Br. Novak served the Friars in various administrative roles throughout his life. His assignments included Christ the King Church, High Point, NC from 1967 – 1969; St. Christopher’s Inn from 1970 – 1974; St. Joseph Church, Richmond, BC from 1975 – 1976; the Development Office at Graymoor; and working with elder friars. He worked at the Institute of Human Applied Dynamics – St. Jude’s, Bedford Hills, NY for many years as a mental health assistant for mentally-disabled adults. He was Chaplain at the Garrison and Mohegan Lake Volunteer Fire Departments.
Br. Novak was a gifted artist and took great joy in showing people his latest folk art creations in his studio at Graymoor. He was involved in the Valley Artists Association, the Garrison Art Center, and the Greenwich Art Center in Greenwich, CT. Br. Novak’s ceramics and religious artwork can be found throughout the world and at many galleries.
Br. Novak was the son of the late Albin Novak of Middletown, CT and Sophie M. (Szpakowski) Novak of Southington, CT. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas. Br. Novak is survived by his brother Peter Novak of Wilmington, NC; his niece Lori Ann Miller of East Haddam, CT; and his beloved grandnieces, Erika Bowen, Cheryl Winakor and Rachael Winakor. Br. Novak was a resident of St. Paul Friary, Graymoor at the time of his death