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Christopher N. "Norm" Novak, 76, of 3406 North Hermitage Road, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, February 25, 2016, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System with family at his side. Norm was born December 29, 1939, in Sharon, one of four sons of John and Mary E. Zager Novak. He was a 1958 graduate of Sharon High School and a member of the National Honor Society. A year later, he entered St. Francis Seminary, Callicoon, New York, and then St. Francis College, Burlington, Wisconsin, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. He then majored in theology at Christ the King College, West Chicago, Illinois. After seminary, he attended Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing and in 1974 received a diploma in nursing as a registered nurse. He was employed at St. Francis Hospital, New Castle; Brookville Hospital, Brookville, Pennsylvania, as director of nursing; and the Sharon Regional Health System. Chris retired from nursing and became organist and choir director at St. Anthony’s Church in Sharon for several years. Most recently, he was the church organist and choir director at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, under the direction of the Rev. Donald E. Berdis. He thoroughly and lovingly enjoyed his two beautiful collies, Shep and Shane, who were at his side daily. He belonged to the Slovenian Home in Sharon and excelled in the music of his Slovene heritage and the vast array of Slovenian folk songs he played so beautifully. He eagerly awaited the Easter and Christmas holidays, and his creative decor was beauty to behold. Throughout his life, Norm was passionate in his undertakings. He was a master and virtuoso on the pipe organ, better defined as artistic excellence. His special touch and creative genius brought an effect that melted many a heart and brought a soothing solace, peace, consolation and joy at countless funerals, weddings and weekly and Sunday Masses. It cast a bright beam on the praise, honor and glory of God whom he served so lovingly and faithfully. His trademark smile and personality captured a vast array of precious and loving friends. He was welcome company to all. He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his three brothers, John R. and his wife Marilou, Springfield, Va.; Donald and his wife Delores, Sharpsville; and Timothy Mark and his wife Virginia, Reynoldsville, Pa.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and godchildren. A Mass of Christian burial was held at at Our Lady of Fatima Church with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. Interment was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage. |
