Thomas Stephen Novotny

Tom Novotny, 66, died unexpectedly at his home in Boulder on Thursday, June 24, 2010. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 27, 1944 to Emil Francis Novotny and Marion Rodger Novotny. Tom graduated from Brother Rice Catholic High School in 1963 and entered the Augustinian Religious Order. He was trained in the order in Ocomowac, Wisconsin and served as Brother Stephen in Olympia Fields, Illinois and St. Louis. He left the order in 1971.

Tom was employed at the American Can company in Chicago, where he worked on the line, did janitorial work, and particularly liked the graveyard shift. After 13 years, he moved to Boulder to be with his family, and was employed as a security guard at Stapleton International Airport and at Denver International Airport until 2008. A conscientious worker, Tom would turn his eight-hour graveyard shift into a twelve-hour adventure, taking an early bus just in case, to be sure he was never late to work.

While did not have much formal education, he had a wealth of knowledge about football, hockey and baseball which he shared eagerly. Simple, steady, honest, and kind describe Tom. He had a big heart and a deep faith. Family was everything to Tom, and he lived his beliefs in the care he took of his mother, and the love he showed his brother and his nieces and nephews. Always ready with an encouraging word and a smile, Tom was universally loved by those who came into contact with him.

Tom is survived by his brother Gerald F. Novotny of Boulder (Pamela) and five nieces and nephews: Anna, Claire, Rachel Novotny Ecker (Sam), Sam, and Elijah. He was also survived for four days by his mother, Marion Rodger Novotny.

Services for Tom will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 1. Rosary will be at Crist Mortuary at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 30.