Obituaries » Kenneth Edward Novak
Kenneth Edward Novak
July 4, 1948 - February 4, 2025
Viewing will be on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 9:00am at Central Florida Casket Store and Funeral Chapel, 2090 East Edgewood Drive, Lakeland.
Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:30am, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 210 W Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33815
Committal Service with Navy Military Honors will be on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:30pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida, 5525 US-1, Mims, FL 32754
Kenneth Edward Novak, a loving husband, dedicated veteran, and cherished uncle, friend passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 76. Born on July 4, 1948, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to John and Helen Novak. Ken embraced his Independence Day birthday with characteristic enthusiasm and pride.
A natural salesman with a gift for connecting with people, Ken began his career in the food processing equipment industry before embarking on a fulfilling career with Disney Vacation Club, where he excelled in sales until retirement. His life was a testament to his strong work ethic and engaging personality.
Ken proudly served his country in the United States Navy, demonstrating his commitment to service and dedication. This dedication extended to his community as well. He was a volunteer fireman in Milltown, New Jersey, and an active member of the Milltown Jaycees, joining in 1973 and receiving the prestigious JCI Senatorship #34507 in 1985. He remained an active member until his passing.
In 2000, Ken and his beloved wife, Lucy Bellavia Novak, whom he shared 35 years of marriage with, moved from New Jersey to Florida, a move that enriched their lives. Ken’s passions were many and vibrant, encompassing fishing, boating (his true passion), bowling, and hunting. He was known for his generous hospitality, hosting lively gatherings at his home in Waretown, New Jersey, where he created lasting memories for countless friends.
Ken’s infectious enthusiasm and warmth touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a devoted Catholic and a true people person, always ready with a smile and a kind word.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Novak, and his sister, Barbara Ellen Novak. Ken is survived by his wife, Lucy Bellavia Novak of Davenport, Florida; nieces Michelle Scarbaci (Frank) and great-niece Giada Scarbaci; nephew Shawn Wright (Christine); and a host of loving family and friends whose lives he enriched immeasurably. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Ken’s memory. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS25001AAABREAA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3loH2nNs0QXWuxZxV-qofBv7SpPK4UQIlHn6IwmZpEMUjBMcVV0aoRoCVioQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds