George Nowak

George M. Nowak, Twilight Terrace, Loudonville, aged 87, died at home of complications from mesothelioma on April 1, 2010. He was the beloved husband for 49 years of Mary Irene (Thomas) Nowak (deceased, 1992); and beloved father of 3 children, Michael Novak (Ellicott City, MD), Marilyn Nowak (deceased), and Diane Nowak-Waring (West River, MD); and beloved grandfather of 4 grand-daughters, Jennifer Wilkinson (Clarkesville, MD), Teresa Novak (Columbia, MD), Emily Miller (Pasadena, MD), and Heather Dalsimer (Washington, DC). He is survived by his beloved companion of 10 years, Millie McNally, and by the DeBruin family who came to love him as one of their own. He is also survived by brother Albion Nowak (Selkirk, NY), and sisters Betty Parzych (Latham, NY) and Catherine Marshall (Loudonville, NY), son-in-law Richard Waring, daughter-in-law Dori Novak, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors, all of whom will miss him.

He was born, raised, and lived his entire life in Albany and was a graduate of Philip Schuyler High School. He served his country in World War II as a Machinists Mate First Class in the U.S. Navy (1942-1944) aboard the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Minneapolis, in the Pacific Theater, where he was awarded 17 battle stars. A life-long skilled mechanic, he worked for the State of New York for 42 years, having retired in 1989.

He loved photography, golf, bowling, dancing, and "good music," i.e., songs prior to 1956. He was a passionate fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York (Football) Giants. He took a special joy in being "Grandpa" to his four grand-daughters. George was a hard-working, generous, humorous, humble, and decent man who was deeply devoted to his family. His life was a blessing to all who had the good fortune to know him.

He was a life-long Roman Catholic who sent his children to Our Lady of Angels School, Vincentian Institute High School, and to good colleges, opportunities he never had. He and his family were parishioners of St. Pius X Church for many years.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, April 6 during the hours of 4:00-8:00 pm at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home (343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebraed Wednesday, April 7 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church (23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211). He will be interred next to his wife in Our Lady of Angels cemetery (Albany, NY). May God grant him peace and the eternal reward that he so richly deserves.