John R. Novak, Jr.

John R. Novak, 65, of Bethlehem Township, passed away Saturday January 6, 2007, in his home. He was the husband of the late Kathleen L. Novak for 43 years prior to her passing in 2005.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late John R. and Bertha M. Steirer Novak. John, a respected and dedicated businessman was the President and Owner of John R. Novak & Son, Inc., Bethlehem Township. The company was founded by his late father, John Sr., in 1958. John devoted over 40 years to the family business.

For many years prior to his wife?s illness, he was an avid golfer, playing at his favorite course, Green Pond Country Club with his close friends. He enjoyed traveling, catching the latest movie release, and spending time with his close friends and family.

In the 1960?s before starting a family, his true passion was his car known as ?Little Egypt? that he competitively drag raced throughout the East Coast and held numerous qualifying winning records.

He contributed to the local community, supporting local schools and athletic programs. He was well-known and respected by many people in the area. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, employees, and business associates.

John will be lovingly remembered by his son, John R. Novak III and his wife, Sandra Coughlin of Hanover Twp.; Daughter Debbie and her husband Ronald Bouman of Upper Nazareth; five grandsons, Johnny, Kyle, Ryan, Zachary, and Tyler; one beautiful granddaughter, Kaitlyn and a faithful dog, Katie. He was preceded in death by his brother, Warren Marstellar and sister, Dolores Schaeffer.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on January 11, 2007 from 6-9PM and again at the funeral home on Friday January 12, 2007 from 10-11AM with a service to celebrate John?s life to follow at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of one?s choice or to the organization that the family supports, VNA Hospice of St. Luke?s 1510 Center Valley Parkway Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18017