Obituary for William Novak
William Allen “Bill” Novak -- Obituary
William Allen “Bill” Novak, devoted husband, son, brother, grandfather and friend, died peacefully in his sleep on March 6th 2021 at the age of 56 of complications from Amyliodosis.
Bill is survived by his mother Martha Novak (nee Schultz), beloved wife Liz Santa-Novak, daughter Leah Santa-Ruiz, son-in-law Craig Santa-Ruiz, and grandsons Mateo and Joaquin. Bill also leaves behind his sister Jane, brother-in-law DeWitt, nephews De and David, niece Ellen, and his beloved dog, Honey. He was preceded in death by his Father Richard William Novak and much-loved dog Chip, who are undoubtedly cheering together for their beloved Bears and Cubs Teams.
Bill was born in Lemont, IL on October 8th, 1964 to Martha and Richard “Lefty” Novak. Growing up, Bill attended Lemont High School before graduating from Illinois State University in 1987 with a degree in Business Management. He was an active member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Following graduation, his sense of adventure took him to the “Golden” state of California. Bill worked in Retail Industry Management for 30 years, where it became his passion to empower others to become leaders themselves. Despite an early retirement due to his illness, he remained lifelong friends with many of his co-workers. Upon retiring in 2015, he and Lizzy moved from northern California to the San Diego area to be closer to their daughter and her young family. Always an Illinois son, Bill remained a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, proudly wearing his Chicago gear all around sunny San Diego. He treasured his weekly discussions with his nephew De on all sports, from statistics to strategy, and of course predictions, just as he had with his Dad many years ago.
Often wearing a mischievous smile, Bill was an adventurer to his core, always full of life and his many plans with the people he loved. His adventures ranged from long road trips in his old van with Liz, to sky diving in Hawaii, to visiting as many national parks as he could. His dream was to design and build his retirement villa in Baja, Mexico. It is there where you could often find Bill, invariably shirtless, fishing in the Sea of Cortez and listening to classic rock. If his feet weren’t in the water, then he was on the roof with Liz, drinking a Modelo and watching the sunset.
“Papa Bear”, as he was affectionately called, was often found cheering on his grandson Mateo at his football game or going to a Monster Truck Jam with Joaquin. He was the kind of Papa Bear who always shared a bed with his boys, and they happily jumped in. Similarly, his nieces and nephews remember wrestling, being thrown in the air by Uncle Bill when swimming and getting rides on his shoulders.
Bill was a man full of fun and faith. He was a kind and loyal friend who would do anything for those he loved. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His was a life truly well lived and loved. A celebration of life will be planned in June at Bill’s dream home, Casa HOPE (Heaven On Planet Earth), where his ashes will be laid. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation (https://www.amyliodosis.org) or the charity of your choice.
“So come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned” - Peter Pan
The Family has posted a photo memorial on the East County Mortuary website (www.eastcountymortuary.com) and welcomes you to sign the guest book and share special memories of Bill.
William Allen “Bill” Novak, devoted husband, son, brother, grandfather and friend, died peacefully in his sleep on March 6th 2021 at the age of 56 of complications from Amyliodosis.
Bill is survived by his mother Martha Novak (nee Schultz), beloved wife Liz Santa-Novak, daughter Leah Santa-Ruiz, son-in-law Craig Santa-Ruiz, and grandsons Mateo and Joaquin. Bill also leaves behind his sister Jane, brother-in-law DeWitt, nephews De and David, niece Ellen, and his beloved dog, Honey. He was preceded in death by his Father Richard William Novak and much-loved dog Chip, who are undoubtedly cheering together for their beloved Bears and Cubs Teams.
Bill was born in Lemont, IL on October 8th, 1964 to Martha and Richard “Lefty” Novak. Growing up, Bill attended Lemont High School before graduating from Illinois State University in 1987 with a degree in Business Management. He was an active member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Following graduation, his sense of adventure took him to the “Golden” state of California. Bill worked in Retail Industry Management for 30 years, where it became his passion to empower others to become leaders themselves. Despite an early retirement due to his illness, he remained lifelong friends with many of his co-workers. Upon retiring in 2015, he and Lizzy moved from northern California to the San Diego area to be closer to their daughter and her young family. Always an Illinois son, Bill remained a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, proudly wearing his Chicago gear all around sunny San Diego. He treasured his weekly discussions with his nephew De on all sports, from statistics to strategy, and of course predictions, just as he had with his Dad many years ago.
Often wearing a mischievous smile, Bill was an adventurer to his core, always full of life and his many plans with the people he loved. His adventures ranged from long road trips in his old van with Liz, to sky diving in Hawaii, to visiting as many national parks as he could. His dream was to design and build his retirement villa in Baja, Mexico. It is there where you could often find Bill, invariably shirtless, fishing in the Sea of Cortez and listening to classic rock. If his feet weren’t in the water, then he was on the roof with Liz, drinking a Modelo and watching the sunset.
“Papa Bear”, as he was affectionately called, was often found cheering on his grandson Mateo at his football game or going to a Monster Truck Jam with Joaquin. He was the kind of Papa Bear who always shared a bed with his boys, and they happily jumped in. Similarly, his nieces and nephews remember wrestling, being thrown in the air by Uncle Bill when swimming and getting rides on his shoulders.
Bill was a man full of fun and faith. He was a kind and loyal friend who would do anything for those he loved. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His was a life truly well lived and loved. A celebration of life will be planned in June at Bill’s dream home, Casa HOPE (Heaven On Planet Earth), where his ashes will be laid. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation (https://www.amyliodosis.org) or the charity of your choice.
“So come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned” - Peter Pan
The Family has posted a photo memorial on the East County Mortuary website (www.eastcountymortuary.com) and welcomes you to sign the guest book and share special memories of Bill.