Joseph L.     Novaco, Sr

Joseph L. Novaco, Sr, 84, of Plumtrees Road in Bethel, formerly of Danbury, died September 2, at Bethel Health Care Center. He was the husband of the late Georgina (Jones) Novaco.

Mr Novaco was born September 25, 1919, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a son of the late Sabino and Carmella (Zupo) Novaco.

He was a loving father and will be missed by his three children, Joseph Novaco, Jr, and his companion Kristie of Newtown, Barbara Moschello and her husband Anthony of Watertown, and Linda Rondano and her husband John of Bethel; four sisters, Rose Eric, Margaret Cassels, and Anna Black of Toronto and Marie Fortin of St Jean, Quebec; his grandchildren, Michele, Leigh Ann, Lisa, Roxanne, Gregory, Patrick, and J.R.; his great-grandchildren, Anthony, Emily, Christina, Lindsey, and Harrison; his niece Mary Ann Novaco of Newtown, and several nieces and nephews in the United States and Canada. Mr Novaco is predeceased by his two brothers, Vincenzo and Gerald.

He came to the United States in 1947. Mr Novaco was employed at Hoffman Fuel until his retirement. Joseph was a loving and friendly person who touched many lives with his humor or just a smile. His hobbies included drawing and carving ice sculptures. He was well-known in the area as “Mr E” the magician, performing for businesses, birthday parties, hospitals, and schools. One of his greatest pleasures was entertaining the handicapped at Southbury Training School. As a member of the Order of Alhambra, Joseph was an usher at St Gregory the Great Church in Danbury and also started and maintained the Alhambra Gardens.

A memorial service was held in the Church of St Mary, 24 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel. Burial was in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury, at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Danbury Dialysis Fund, c/o Danbury Hospital Dialysis Unit, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee     September 10, 2004