We regret to announce the passing of Patricia A. Novak, 76, on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Pat was born in Port Reading, NJ to the late Herbert and Doris Drake Gans. She grew up with her two brothers in Edison and was a graduate of JP Stevens High School. Pat was an excellent secretary and fortunate to have worked for two notable firms during her career. She was employed by the law firm of Moss and English for several years until deciding to leave and raise her children at home. Once her children had grown up to high school ages, she became a secretary at Arnold A. Graham and Co., accountants.

One evening, Pat's best friend talked her into going on a blind date with her and her husband's best friend, who was home on liberty from the Navy. On that evening, she met her future husband Robert J. Novak. They married on September 24, 1966, and have been inseparable ever since. Soon after, they settled in Edison, where together they raised their family and shared their Faith.

Most important to Pat was her family. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and even her friends, neighbors and their grandchildren became one big family. All of whom will miss her beyond measure.

Pat and Robert enjoyed the company and trips with the senior groups they belonged to in the area. Besides the Clara Barton Senior Social Club and Wednesday Club, Pat was also a member of the Columbiettes and the Clara Barton First Aid Ladies Auxiliary. Despite her other involvements, she always managed to find some time to enjoy Bingo games with friends and shop for a good deal. Pat also spent summer afternoons enjoying the Yankees games, and getting a meal with Robert at Chick-fil-A.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Patricia Gans, and brother-in-law Victor Novak. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert; her daughter: Christine Piatkowski and her husband Walter; her son: Rob Novak and his wife Tyanne; her grandchildren: Kayla and Kara Piatkowski, Luke and Sam Novak; her brothers Herb Gans, his wife Janice, and Bob Gans; and her sister-in-law: Ann Fortier.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords.  The Clara Barton Senior Social Club, the Wednesday Club and the Clara Barton Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary will have a joint memorial service at 3:00pm. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 10:00am on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A Funeral Liturgy will immediately follow at 10:30am in Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Fords. Cremation will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations may be made in Patricia's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (www.stjude.org)