May 21, 2006 2 min read

Edward S. Nowak, age 85, of Fredericktown, Centerville Borough, Pa., died Friday, May 19, 2006, in his home following a lengthy illness. He was born September 15, 1920, in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County, Pa., the son of Anthony Nowak and Anna Vitz Nowak.

Mr. Nowak was a veteran of World War II who served as a Tech Sergeant in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. For his service he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Following the war, he had been employed as a butcher at Kweller’s Grocery in Grindstone, Pa., and Richeyville, Pa., for over twelve years before later being employed at Lee Norris (which later became Ingersoll Rand) in Charleroi, Pa., from where he retired in 1985 with 24 years of service.

Mr. Nowak was a 55-year member of Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Richeyville.

He enjoyed working in his yard and garden and most of all spending time with his family.

On May 15, 1943, he married Mary Bozak, who survives. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Monday.

Also surviving are two daughters: Sandy Nowak Catena and her husband, Dr. Michael Catena, of Mount Lebanon, Pa., and Carol A. Nowak of Johnstown, Pa.; three sisters: Victoria Novak and Florence Hudock both of Cleveland, Ohio, and Genevieve Harringson of Parma, Ohio; two brothers: Stanley Novak and Walter Novak both of Cleveland, Ohio; two granddaughters: Dr. Michelle Catena, M.D., and Laura Catena; also several nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Josephine Matty and Frances Ochran, and one brother, Anthony Novak Jr.

Friends will be received in the JOHN B. GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 2830 Main Street (Route 40), Beallsville, Pa., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where prayers will be said on Tuesday, May 23, at 9:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10 a.m. in Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Richeyville, with the Rev. Father John Forbidussi as Celebrant.

Entombment will follow in The Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa.

Full Military Rites and Honors will be accorded by the Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post No. 705 of Centerville.