John Novitsky, Jr. of Apalachin, May 18, 1937–March 2, 2017. John Novitsky, Jr., age 79, departed to be with the Lord on March 2, 2017, having lost his brave battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his parents John Sr. and Effie (Wasenda) Novitsky. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Joan (Kosik) Novitsky and their son Jonathan and his wife Karen; two brothers, Daniel and George; two sisters, Julie and Joyce; and many nieces and nephews. Family and close friends will dearly miss John’s cheery character and straight talk. As a youth, John grew up at his parent’s farm in Tompkinsville, PA, and developed a strong sense of family and purpose. Following graduation from Scott Township High School, he set out to make his mark in this world. Always resourceful, he quickly developed many talents and interests through employment and certified training, such as the operation of heavy construction equipment, inspection and grading of hardwood lumber, carpentry, and landscaping, which he later molded into Star Construction, his self-owned business. Results of his talents and strong work ethics are found throughout the area. John found love and a life partner in Joan Kosik from Eynon. John and Joan moved to the Little Meadows–Apalachin area in 1966. There, they planted roots and raised their son Jon, the love of their lives. John also found pleasure in engaging with and supporting his community at every opportunity. John served five years on the Board of Directors of the Claverack Electrical Coop and was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Committee, the Vestal Elks Club #2508, the Apalachin Lions Club, and Our Lady of Sorrows Church. John worked hard and played hard; he loved to hunt and travel with family and friends. When he could no longer travel, he reveled in hearing of Jon’s travels, as if they were his own. But golfing was at the top of his list, and each year, the annual spring golf trip with his buddies was the apex of enjoyment for him. Please remember him in your prayers.
Funeral Services will be held Monday 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 10 am. Burial will be in Vestal Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Sunday from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, expression of sympathy in John’s memory may be made to the following organizations: Danielle House, http://www.daniellehouse.org; Mercy House, http://mercyhousesoutherntier.com.