Lolly and Karen, though the years have been many, so have the memories. He was a wonderful husband and father, so loving and kind. He was good to anyone who came in contact with him and showed compassion for those who were in need. I lost my husband, Forest, just a little over a year ago and understand your loss. God's blessings on you and keep you in Jesus' hands through the rest of your life. May Mother Mary send you sweet dreams.
Ellen Sills Greene
Blue Ridge, GA

Knew Bob and Lollie as he called Loraine, went to their wedding.  Would help Alice out with medical explanations from time to time.  Was just wondering if Alice was still fighting the fight when going thru our obits when I read about Bob.  Dennis sure enjoyed Bob.
Condolences. Paula Derrington Belden

I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing but he lived a life worth living! I was his second student to graduate with my PhD from his lab at U of IL. He always supported us and never doubted us. Karen and I were working on our PhDs at the same time and he believed we could be the tough entomologist he was. He taught us our “PhD” heritage, introduced us to giants, and respected us. He put us in charge of the summer vector control programs so we could boss all the boys around. He put students to work with us so we could teach. He let us do our science and explore our interests. He even hired my husband, an English teacher, to write a vector control training manual for the lab!

We’ve checked in over the years and though I left entomology for medicine, he was proud—all my sympathy to his family. I was lucky to work with him. 

V blag spomin.  Bob and I occasionally wrote a little Slovene in our emails.  He was a giant in the field of entomology, and his impact will last for decades.

I was recently alerted to Bob Novak's passing, apologies for the delayed condolence. I met Bob while we were faculty at the University of Illinois, and worked with him on the PCR-based detection of viral encephalitis in mosquitos, for which he demanded that I help field-collect mosquitos, a challenging task that I enjoyed. Bob, Mike Vodkin and I co-arranged and co-presented PCR-based viral detection workshops at medical entomologist conferences in Portland, OR and Norfolk, VA. Dr. Novak's priorities for detection and source reduction remain suitable for arthropod-vectored infections. Happy to have known him, sad we have lost him. 


Dr. Robert Novak passing is a great loss to the field of Medical Entomology. His research studies of mosquitos had contributed greatly to a better understanding of the biology and control of these insects.  In Africa his studies of malaria greatly aided the country in control of the terrible disease.  My sincere sympathy to his loving wife, two daughters, other researchers and friends.

Sending the Novak family my heartfelt condolences.  I enjoyed getting to know all about him these past 8 years through Karen.  Especially loved his  dad-isms. 🤗 He was a great dad for sure.  Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. 🕊
xoxo Linda & Edward

I just heard of Bob’s passing a few minutes ago. He was an exuberant, energetic and passionate scientist, always a straight shooter and always charging ahead with enthusiasm in his research endeavors. He will be sadly missed by all of us who knew him and who had worked with him. With sincere condolences to the family, Boo Kwa. 

Karen, I know the loss of your Dad is difficult, please know we are here for you and family. I will always  remember the smile on your face as you spoke of your  Dad and how he made you laugh. The stories made us laugh. What a wonderful father.  Big hug to you, Aaron and family. ❤
Love ya, Naomi and Sydney

Missing my longtime friend.
My sincere condolences to the family 

Bill Baker

so sorry for your loss Robert loved to come to Pueblo and visit his mother and see Pueblo he loved going to Mill Stop restaurant and getting in touch with people he knew I can remember when he would leave Pueblo he had to take some Candy's corn tortillas and of course his Pueblo green chile back with him.  God bless you all                                                                               Pearl          Casaus



I collected mosquitoes for Dr. Bob from the Caribbean Tropical Rainforest in Puerto Rico in the late seventies while he was with the CDC Dengue Lab in San Juan, Puerto Rico and continued working together since. I traveled several times to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other parts of Africa and Cambodia with him. He was a joy to be with.  He loved life, his work, and enjoyed a good adventure, but most of all he loved his wife Lorraine. His enthusiasm was contagious. His "explorations" outside the entomology box were impressive and lead to many of his projects.  He was an inspiration to many, myself included.  I'll miss him dearly, but will rejoice in his memory and energy. 

Hasta pronto, Bob.

Rest in peace, Dr. Novak. I'll remember our discussions of the finer points of beignets and chicory coffee fondly. 

My son's immune system often overacts to mosquito bites. I recall several conversations soliciting Novak’s insight on different types of repellants. He was always willing to answer my consumer questions. I also appreciate that we was willing to share his insight with the general population and rarely declined a media request for an interview. He was a one of a kid guy!

Bob was a good man and we always had a good time when we met everytime. 
He always had a positive thinking and encouraged others to do their best efforts and stick with their careers. I do missing his laugh and smoking. His contribution and friendship will be remembered forever. Ruide Xue 

I could not have gotten through my graduate program without Dr. Novak's help, support, passion and knowledge. Thank you for the conversations, the words of encouragement and the inspiration, I owe you so much. You will be greatly missed. 

Bob grew up on the Southern Great Plains in a working-class town not long after the Great Depression/Dust Bowl. He valued hard work, endurance, self-reliance and loyalty. It was these values that endeared Bob to frontlines working people wherever he worked around the world earned the respect of students and colleagues. One of my favorite memories is the reverence with which he lit a stick of incense in a Phnom Penh Buddhist temple--he said it was an act of solidarity. His prolific contributions to medical entomology will last but his loyalty to his friends is his most enduring trait. RIP Bob.


Dr. Novak was always so helpful and willing to assist the USF College of Public Health in regard to our social media efforts. He was a true gem for the COPH and will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.  

Bob, I am happy to know you.

To family and friends, I wish you fond memories of Bob forever, and a serene acceptance of your loss.

Tom

Dr. Novak was an unconventional, passionate and caring individual.  He enriched the lives of all with whom he came in contact.  He will be missed.

Bob had many friends and admirers in the Yale School of Public Health community.  c
Creative, passionate, erudite, and committed, Bob's life's work was the promotion of good health in the tropics and in Florida.  We send our condolences to family and friends in Florida, Alabama, and beyond. We will miss you, Bob.
Sten Vermund   
New Haven, CT

Dr. Novak, thank you for asking us to think and apply what we learned in class. 

Dr. Novak was truly one of a kind and his dedication was inspiring.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

OBITUARY

Robert John Novak

June 5, 1947 – August 4, 2022

T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home

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