James B. Novak

James Bartholomew Novak, longtime resident of Glen Ellyn, passed away on June 18th 2016 at the age of 92. James was born in Chicago on May 4, 1924 to James William and Anna (Cekal) Novak of Trumbull Ave. After graduating from Crane Technical High School in 1942, James enlisted in the Army where he served with an Engineering battalion in five different theatres including North Africa, India, Burma, China and the Asiatic Pacific through the end of WWII. Over the years James loved sharing stories of his time in the Army with family and friends.

In June 1948 he married the love of his life Eleanor Francis Petran. They moved to Glen Ellyn in 1954 where they built a new home and raised their family together. James and Eleanor loved family vacations and their world travels throughout the years with a special fondness for Hawaii. James retired after a 34-year mechanical engineering career at Continental Can Company in 1984.

Eleanor, his beloved wife of 65 years and brother and best friend Lawrence preceded James in death. James was the loving father of Christine (Daniel) DeBoo of Naperville and Robert (Susan) Novak of Batavia; grandfather to Sarah DeBoo.

Gathering will be at Leonard Memorial Home (630-469-0032 www.leonardmemorialhome.com), 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn on Thursday, June 23rd from 9:00 am - 9:45 am processing to St. Petronille Church, 420 Glenwood Ave. Glen Ellyn for 10 AM Mass. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654 or www.catholiccharities.net/donate

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