Robert A. "Bob" Novak

Robert “Bob” Novak, 65, passed away peacefully at home on July 6th, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was a consummate family man, a mentor, and a person of impeccable character and integrity.

Bob was the son of the late Stanley and Stella (Husak) Novak and son-in-law of the late Robert and Dorene Bradford. He is survived by wife Kathryn Bradford Novak, daughter Jamie (Nick) Pavlovsky, and son Troy. He was the brother of late Joann (late Paul, late Otto) Prohoniak Gercken, late Stanley, Jr. (Becky), late William (Helene), Nancy (late James) Attanucci, David (Angie), Cathy (Tim) Kernan, Debbie (Mark) Salamacha, and Barbara (Tony) DiLulio. He was brother-in-law to Debby (late Tommy) Guelker, Barbara (Brett) Lewis, Steve (Marti) Bradford, Ron (Elaine) Bradford, and Joe Bradford. Bob was also godfather to Ashley (Joe) Zaso, a beloved uncle, “UB”, to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, and a special friend to many. 

A true Pittsburgher, Bob was born and raised on the North Side as the second youngest of nine children, and he cherished his siblings. He talked often of his love of baseball throughout his childhood, and how he and his friends would throw a ball around until it got dark. As he and his siblings grew older, he maintained a close relationship with them and their growing families, which included two of his best friends marrying his sisters. Many of his happiest memories were spent surrounded by brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews at picnics, on vacation, and over holidays. 

Bob first met his wife and true love of his life, Kathy, in a summer college engineering program in Sweeny, Texas. Bob was just “some Yankee” at first, but Kathy warmed to him quickly. After only a couple of dates and a few months of long-distance, Bob proposed. They were married on March 21, 1981 and shared 43 wonderful years as best friends. 

Together Bob and Kathy had two children, daughter Jamie and son Troy. Bob was a fun, loving father who always encouraged his kids to pursue their passions. With his devotion to his wife and his love of both the Novak and Bradford families, Bob showed his children the true beauty of family and of a life spent with someone you love. He expressed this by embracing Jamie’s husband, Nick, and Troy’s partner, Jordana, and by sharing a warm connection with their respective families. 

In addition to his family, Bob was passionate about fitness and health. As a man who liked to “walk the walk,” he wasn’t just an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan and golf enthusiast; he also loved to play both ice hockey and golf. After deciding to learn to play hockey over 30 years ago, he became one of his adult league’s all-time leaders for games played. He also loved to play golf, especially with his family. He was extremely proud to have been a marshal at two US Opens. And whether it was winter mornings skating around North Park ice rink or summer afternoons at the driving range, he loved to share his hobbies with Jamie and Troy.

Bob earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Safety Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, followed by a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering / Industrial Hygiene from Drexel University. Bob approached his work with purpose, creativity, and with a commitment to keeping people safe. When Bob retired from Valspar, he undertook several large renovation projects on the house, often with the help of Troy. 

Bob loved his country, he never passed up an opportunity to pet a dog, and he always found peace in a quiet sunrise with a cup of coffee. 

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute for their care and compassion. 

Friends received from 2-8pm on Thursday, July 11th at the Thomas P Kunsak Funeral Home Inc., 3552 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Parastas Thursday 7:30pm. Funeral Service Friday, July 12th at 10:00am at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3455 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church (saintgeorgepittsburgh.org), the church’s Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org). 

“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart. Pursue those.” -Michael Nolan