Edward Phillip Novak

Edward Phillip Novak

Edward Phillip Novak, born in Cleveland, OH, to loving Slovenian parents John Novak and Rose Novak (nee Zajc), passed away from natural causes November 7, 2013, at 91 years of age.

Ed was once married to Pauline Olszewski, with whom he had three children. He was loving father to Richard (Dik) Novak (wife Adeline), Ruth M. Saghy (husband Paul) and Janet Novak Lash (husband Bob), and proud grandfather of Brian Edward Saghy and Kevin Joseph Saghy (wife Stephanie). Ed is survived by dear brother Ladislaus (Larry) Novak and late siblings Rose, John, Frank, Rudy, Louis, Millie and Dan.

Per Ed’s wishes, there will be no wake or funeral. Instead, a celebration of his life will be scheduled in 2014 for family and friends. Ed was known for his kindness and generosity, and he will treat loved ones with polka music, bakery and a group toast at that gathering.

Cremation and private Catholic mass for immediate family members will be held at St. Stanislaus Church in Cleveland OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Geauga County Humane Society’s Rescue Village ( geaugahumane.org ), where he donated frequently and adopted his dearest canine companion, Birdie.

For more information and to leave online condolences and wishes for his family, please visit www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

A Birthday Poem

On Ed’s 85 ^th birthday, his family surprised him with the following poem that captures his upbringing and adventurous spirit. The poem serves as a wonderful reminder of Ed’s life story for those who knew him at different times of his life.

Ed Novak's birthday is being celebrated today

Born to immigrant parents who found their way

To Cleveland Ohio's Union/Broadway part of town

Where the Polish and Slovenian people could be easily found.

One of nine children, not much money around

Ed grew up fast, and could always be found

Working here, working there to make ends meet

Yet always enjoying life to the Polka beat!

What a life he has had, with so many things tried

Motorcycles, airplanes and cars... what a ride.

He even tried life in California, which for a while was fine

But came back to Cleveland, and stayed this time.

St Lawrence, Zabak's, El Conga and more

Where friends, family and neighbors set great store

In community and heritage and wonderful food

For accordion music and dancing, they were always in the mood.

Married with children and a business to run

He still found the time to have some fun

With family and friends at SNPJ

Picnics and dancing all through the day

He was and still is a good looking guy

Take a look at the pictures, which can't tell a lie.

Quite a dancer he was, and he still has that groove

Whether the polka or waltz, he's got great moves.

Though the neighborhood's changed, some friends and places now gone

And, he has moved out and continues to move on.

We've heard many good memories from those years past

With new ones yet to be made that will also certainly last.

Known as Mr. Novak, Ed, Eddie, Uncle, Grandpa and Dad

Cigarettes and beer are not slowing the man.

He is one of a kind and still living the good life

Better than most – and at the age of eighty-five!

Written by Adeline Novak