Albert P. Novak

November 18, 1944 – July 18, 2025

Albert P. Novak, affectionately known as Butch, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at the age of 80. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 18, 1944, Al lived a life rooted in strength, faith, and devotion to family.

Al graduated from The Cooper Union in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. Al ultimately became the Deputy Chief Engineer of New York City's Department of Transportation's Division of Bridges. In that role, Al was an integral part of the maintenance and rehabilitation of over 800 bridges across the 5 New York City boroughs.

Just teenagers at the time, Al met his bride Cecelia at their Catholic parish dance where Al was the volunteer DJ. Together they shared 57 loving years of marriage and raised 3 daughters, Cecelia, Kathleen, and Emily, in a home that valued service, generosity, and dedication to the church and community.

He encouraged and supported his wife Cecelia to earn her degree and become an elementary school teacher, all with three young children at home.  His daughter Cecelia also became an elementary school teacher, and both Kathleen and Emily served in the U.S. Navy.

Al was incredibly talented with his hands and on the weekends could be found teaching his daughters how to build beautiful furniture, renovate the home, or maintain cars. He always made time, no matter how late at night, to patiently help with math and science homework.

After being New York residents for over 70 years, Al and Cecelia retired to Clermont, Florida, where Al was a fundamental member of the Kings Ridge Remington community board.

Al earned his title Papa from his two favorite girls -- his granddaughters, Anna and Sarah. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother Jeffrey and sons-in-law, Andrew Turner (married to Kathleen) and James Hagerty (married to Emily), both active-duty servicemembers.

Often fueled by chocolate for breakfast, he was a talented craftsman, devoted husband, nurturing father, and adoring grandfather, whose wisdom, resilience, and compassion will be deeply missed and always remembered by his family, friends, and community.

Wake:

Thursday July 24, 2025 from 4-7pm

Becker Funeral Home

806 W. Minneola Ave.

Clermont, FL 34711

Funeral Mass:

Friday July 25, 2025 at 11am

St. Faustina Catholic Church

15551 N. Boggy Marsh Rd. & S. Hwy. 27

Clermont, FL 34714

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Online Donations - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (copy and paste link below)

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=58700006946881487&sc_cid=kwp&&&&&gclid=0406934f1cf01459956ffb32351b24d1&gclsrc=3p.ds&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465