Sidney Novak

Sidney Novak, 96, was born in Boston, MA on May 15, 1926, to Sylvia Dreiker and Harry Novak. He died on August 25, 2022 in hospice care at the VA Hospital in Bedford, MA after a visit with his family.

Sidney was raised in Lynn, MA by a single mother and learned to be helpful and generous with his time. He graduated from Lynn Classical High School at 17 and joined the US Army at 18. He served his country in WWII as part of General Patton’s army in the German theater. He sustained a serious injury three weeks before the war ended and was eventually hospitalized at Walter Reed Hospital for several years after the war. After many surgeries he elected to have his right leg amputated below the knee so he could “get on with his life.” He met his wife of 68 years, Ruth Novak, while trying out for a local play. They raised one daughter, Trina, and eventually delighted in watching their grandchildren, David and Danya Mavor, grow into young adults. He also enjoyed the company of extended family and friends throughout the years.

Sidney greeted everyone with a smile. He was always concerned about others, and often asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” He was generous to a fault and lived life to the fullest.

Sidney was employed in two occupations that brought him satisfaction and joy. He was a Purchasing Agent at Avco Research Laboratory, now Textron, in Everett, MA. A lifelong singer, Sidney served for over two decades as Cantorial Soloist at Temple Shalom, Newton, MA, where he was a lifetime member. Sidney was involved in many additional activities. He played softball with friends and with an amputee team; he was a golfer and could brag about hitting a hole in one; he took up square dancing; and he even tried skiing. He also was a member of the JCC in Marblehead where he could be found exercising. He also attended sporting events, and in later years followed Boston sports teams on television. He and his wife supported the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, and enjoyed frequent visits to a variety of exhibits. He enjoyed musicals, and would participate in, or attend local theater productions. He enjoyed the beach, swimming, and reading a variety of books and newspapers. He enjoyed playing cards, poker or bridge, with friends at their homes and at the Swampscott Senior Center.

Sidney served as a trustee for the Summit Estates in Swampscott, MA and on Swampscott town committees. He also volunteered at the Lynn Public Schools helping children to improve their reading skills and at the Swampscott Senior Center. He supported his fellow veterans and was often called upon to tell his story of service. Sidney was also a supporter of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Always curious, and always seeking educational opportunities, Sidney and Ruth enjoyed their many trips with Elder Hostel. They especially enjoyed programs in Arizona and New Mexico. Their travels also took them cruising around the UK, to the Pacific Northwest, and driving around to visit museums in New England, New York, and Canada.

Sidney is survived by his daughter, Trina Novak, her husband, James Mavor, and his grandchildren David Mavor and Danya Mavor. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Novak. He was the brother of the late Estelle Bernstein.

A funeral service for Sidney will be held on Tuesday, August 30 at 10:30am at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple Street, West Newton, MA 02465 followed by internment at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton St., Sharon, MA. Shiva will be held on Tuesday, August 30 following internment until 7:30pm, and on Wednesday, August 31 from 2pm until 7:30pm at the home of Trina Novak and James Mavor in Needham. An open house for friends and family will be held on Thursday, September 1, at the Summit Estates Community Room, 1000 Paradise Rd., Swampscott, MA 01907 from 12:00-3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Women of Reform Judaism, https://wrj.org/donate-wrj, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/, Temple Shalom, Newton, MA https://www.templeshalom.org/donate ,or a charity of one’s choice in his name.

For more information or to register in the online guestbook, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.