Christopher N. Novak

Registered Nurse was organist and choir director

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday (2-29-16) for Christopher N. Novak, Sharpsville, who passed away peacefully Thursday morning (2-25-16) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System with family at his side. He was 76.

Chris was born in Sharon December 29, 1939 one of four sons to 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 at 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 the seminary, he attended Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing and in 1974 received a diploma in Nursing (RN). Following his RN Diploma, he was employed at St. Francis Hospital, New Castle, and then at Brookville Hospital in Jefferson County as director of nursing.  He later gained employment at Sharon General Hospital.

Chris retired from nursing and became organists and choir director at St. Anthony's Church Sharon for several years. Most recently he was the church organist and choir director at our Lady of Fatima –St. Ann Church, Farrell, under the proficient direction of 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 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, Chris 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 solis, 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 loving parents.

He is survived by his three brothers John R. and his wife Marilou Springfield Va., Donald and his wife Delores, Sharpsville, Timothy Mark and his wife Virginia, Reynoldsville, Pa., and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.

His family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the kind people at Sharon Regional Health System including the Physicians, Nursing staff, and the Hospice and Palliative Care staff for the love and compassion shown to Chris in his time of need.

His family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider one of the following; Our Lady of Fatima – St. Ann Church 601 Roemer Blvd, Farrell, PA 16121, or to Sharon Regional Health System Hospice Program 1955 Shenango Valley Freeway Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours: 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Monday (2-29-16) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell. 10:30 a.m. Monday (2-29-16) in the Church with Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor as the celebrant.

Interment: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements are by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.