Worcester/Plum Island – Eugene M. Novak, Sr., 90, known as "Gene" passed away Saturday, May 4, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Wanda J. (Bogdewicz) Novak of Worcester; two sons, Atty. Paul M. Novak of Worcester and his friend Anna Szczepanski of Boston; and Eugene M. Novak, Jr., and his wife, Carol Sanchez Novak, of Framingham; one daughter, Christine M. Florio, of Framingham; and grandchildren Liam Novak, Kailee Novak, Nikolai Novak, Nicole Florio, Melissa Florio, and Emily Florio; one sister, Rita P. Novak of Worcester; and one brother, Robert E. Novak and his wife, Diane, of Jefferson. Eugene was predeceased by two brothers, Richard P. Novak and Raymond J. Novak, and a sister, Loretta J. Dunn.
He also leaves three nephews, Ronald R. Novak and his wife, Diane, of Wilkinsonville; Robert E. Dunn and his wife, Julianne, of Jefferson; and Richard P. Novak, Jr. and his wife, Toni, of Oxford; as well as four nieces, Dianne Andresano and her husband, Vincent of Millbury; Donna Janes of Sutton; Lori A. Konrad and her husband, Karl, of Jefferson; and Kim Trotto and her husband, David, of Osterville.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Vera (Dell) Novak. He was a graduate of Commerce High School, and served his country in the military police in the European theatre during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a life-long member of the Polish-American Veterans of Worcester. Upon his return from the war, he worked as a carpenter for various residential and commercial projects and was a life-long member of Worcester Carpenters Union Local 107. He later joined the Worcester Police Department and served for 32 years. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association and Southern Massachusetts Police Association. He attended Quinsigamond Community College and Holy Cross College. He also was a local homebuilder for more than 60 years and constructed many affordable housing units in the Worcester area. Upon retirement from the Worcester Police Department, he was a founder of Gold Star Development, Inc. and served as president up until his death. He was also a longstanding realtor and member of both the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors and the Greater Boston Real Estate Board.
Eugene enjoyed gardening and boating, and maintained a summer home at Newbury, Plum Island. He was a life-long member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester on May 7, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on May 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Our Lady of the Rosary Church or a charity of one’s choice. For directions and on-line condolences, please visit: www.NordgrenMemorialChapel.com