Richard A. Novak

Richard Albert Novak (Rich), 78, passed into eternal life following a lengthy illness, on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Mercy Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born in 1941 to the late Albert and Julia (Nowak) Novak in Springfield, MA, the eldest of 3 children.  He graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1959 and was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish.

Richard began his lifetime career in the aerospace field, where he started out as a turbine machinist for Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT.  His love for photography soon led him to become a commercial industrial photographer for Pratt and retired after nearly 40 years of service.  He also photographed weddings and portraits, but his favorite past time was photographing his family, whom he loved spending time with. He was the official photographer for a number of years for the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT.  He was the President of the Springfield Photographic Society for 7 years and active on their Board of Directors.  He served on the Executive Board of the New England Camera Club Council and a member of their scholarship and memorial fund committees.  He was a volunteer for the Special Olympics, the Valley Photo Center in Springfield and was a member of the Technical High School Reunion Committee.  He was also an avid golfer and was a member of a Friday night golf league at Veterans Golf Course.   

Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 56 years; daughters: Deborah and Christine Novak, both of Springfield; grandchildren: Zachary Novak, Rosalyn and Preston Cloutier, whom he adored; sisters: Joanne Pittelkow (Robert) and Cynthia Attanasio (Albert), both of Spring Hill, FL; cousin Joe Novak (Dorothy) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were private with burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  A mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Memorials in Richards name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA or the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT. To offer online condolences, visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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