Leo Novak Jr.'s Obituary
HERITAGE HARBOUR, Annapolis, Leo Novak, Jr., 74, passed away in the early morning hours of January 16, at his home. Born August 12, 1943 in the tight-knit Baltimore neighborhood of Locust Point. He was the son of the late Leo Novak, Sr. and Anna Louise Gilbert. Also preceding him in death were his first wife, Sally Jo (Clapper), his sister, Catherine and her husband John Boog, his in-laws Theodore and Alethea Clapper.
Leo is survived by his wife Renee (O’Neill) Novak, son, Michael and wife Renee (Pigeon) of Cape St. Claire; granddaughters, Catherine and Rachael; siblings Helen Novak and David Novak of Parkville. He is also survived by his loving in-laws, mother-in-law, Suzanne O’Neill, her children: Serge; Marie Pound, husband Bill Pound, son Kevin and wife Melissa, their children Luke, Ethan and Henry; Matthew, wife Celine, children Randy and Jessica Furr; Suzanne, her daughters Olivia Moran, Sarah Reaves and husband Reggie, and grandsons Franklin and Christian.
Leo attended the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School and served as an altar boy. As a boy, Leo, worked a paper route and as a teen he was a member of the Cranks Auto Club. He was a 1961 graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School Auto Mechanics Curriculum in Baltimore.
He first worked as mechanic at Montgomery Ward on Washington Boulevard in Baltimore. He also worked at Tate Chrysler on Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie and spent 24 years working at the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company. During his retirement, he worked part-time for the State of Maryland’s Legislative Services in their Bill Room.
In May of 1969 Leo was drafted into the US Army and although he was nearly ten years older than the average draftee, he never complained and bravely served his tour in Vietnam.
Leo wed Sally Jo Clapper from Brooklyn Park in 1966 and were married for 18 years until Sally died of lung cancer in 1984. In 1988, Leo wed his second wife, Renee, who he was with until his passing.
Friends and family all loved Leo for his quick wit and big heart. He was always there to lend a helping hand and make you laugh. He was a devoted family man, and an avid boater and fisherman. Leo was happiest on the water, fishing rod in one hand and a cold Budweiser in the other.
As a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle or friend, Leo was the very best! He never met a stranger and we will all miss him terribly.
If you prefer, donations can be made to the Viet Nam Veterans (VVA.ORG) instead of flowers.
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