R. Richard “Rick” Novia passed away after fighting the good fight on May 21st, 2022 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry NH surrounded by his family.
Rick was born on 10/18/1953 to Anthony and Elaine (Speranza) Novia, in Boston’s North End. He was the eldest child, the only son of another only son in an Italian family. The family moved to North Woburn. His sisters Maria Elena Novia, Susan Novia Cone and Sandra Novia completed the family. Some of his most cherished memories was the time spent with good friends in his backyard “hut”. A graduate of Woburn High 1971. He was an entrepreneur and visionary at an early age. Selling really good “dirt” and his dad’s home- grown vegetables door to door. Mechanically inclined, artistic, and incredibly brilliant for “someone who never went to college”. In short, he was a self-made man who could build anything from wood to metal.
Rick met his future bride of 42 years Patty Mank of Hyde Park, MA on a flight to Monte Carlo 1980. They chatted all thru the night high above the Atlantic Ocean. Their last night on the French Riviera was spent on a jetty watching the sun come up. Just as Rick leaned in for a kiss, a wave crashed over them. Best kiss ever. They married 7 months later. They moved to Derry in 1983 with their daughters Dani and Lauren and welcomed son, Taylor shortly after. Rick started his first business enterprise Home Investments In 1985. In the 90’s Rick’s business dream came to fruition when he opened Novia Associates in Salem, NH with a handful of employees who remain there to this day. The company thrived under his stewardship until his retirement in 2015.
Rick participated in the Derry Rotary and Chamber of Commerce and coached Derry Demons Football.
Rick was fiercely patriotic and so loved his country. Actively involved in the political process, he loved to host political candidates at his home or office. He was never satisfied with the status quo and would vigorously debate anyone and everyone. Although he didn’t attend law school he obtained a legal diploma from Fritoitus Layus Universidadio of Law in 2009. True story.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patricia (Patty) Mank-Novia of Derry, daughter Dani O’Brien, her husband Michael of Manchester, daughter Lauren Novia of Alexandria, VA and son Taylor Novia of Manchester. One angelic granddaughter Fiona O’Brien age two who was loved to the moon and back. His three younger sisters Maria-Elena Novia of Lynnfield MA, Susan Novia Cone and husband Jim, and Sandra Novia of Cloverdale, CA. Niece and nephew E.J. Gann and T.J. Cone of Georgia, and nephew/godson Rocco Novia-Reed of CA. His uncle Arthur Speranza of Reading, MA and cousins, Marisa, Artie and Jimmy Speranza. He was predeceased by his loving parents Anthony and Elaine Novia of North Woburn, MA.
The Family of Rick wishes to thank their dearest friends for the love and support over the decades: John & Vilma, Brett & Jenna, Frank, Dave and so many others near and far. The EMT’s and the Parkland ICU staff: Jessica, Michelle & Devin for the compassionate care. They were angels personified and have the family’s gratitude.
FYI, the “R” initial was for his given name Rocco. But he preferred Rick.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held Wednesday May 25, 2022 from 5 to 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. A funeral service will be held at 6:30pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to Community Caregivers of Greater Derry, 6 West Broadway, Unit 6, Derry, NH 03038.