Joseph Donald Novak

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Donald Novak of Lakewood Ranch, Florida passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023. He was born December 2, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Joseph and Anna (nee Podany) Novak. Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Mathematics Education in 1952 from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s of Science in Science Education and Biology in 1954 from the University of Minnesota and PhD in Science Education and Biology in 1958 from the University of Minnesota.

While attending the University of Minnesota, Joe met and married Joan Lucille Owen July 18, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joe began his career in Emporia, Kansas. A short time later Joe and Joan moved to West Lafayette, Indiana while Joe taught biology and teacher education courses at Purdue University. Then they settled in Ithaca, New York where Joe was a Professor of Education and Biological Sciences at Cornell University and together, they raised their children Joseph, Barbara and William.

While at Cornell, Joe and his research team developed the technique of concept mapping as a means of representing the emerging science knowledge of students. He published many books throughout his career including Learning How to Learn in 1984 and his most recent publication Helping People Learn in 2022. Joe also earned many awards and honors during his career including a 1998 Honorary Doctorate from The University of Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina, a 2002 Honorary Doctorate from the Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, a 2006 Honorary Doctorate from the University of Urbino and the first award for contributions to science education from the Council of Scientific Society Presidents.

After retiring from Cornell, Joe was a Visiting Senior Scientist at the University of West Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. During his career, Joe consulted with numerous schools, universities and corporations including work with Procter and Gamble, NASA and the Department of the Navy. Joe remained passionate about his work throughout his life and for the past year experienced renewed energy as he worked as an advisor with a local organization to apply his education theories to sports training. Seeing his theories being embraced brought great joy to Joe.

When not pursuing his life’s passion of education theories, Joe enjoyed gardening. He also enjoyed spending time with Joan attending theater productions, taking walks on the Florida beaches and at Busch Gardens, swimming and socializing with the many friends they made in their Tarpon Springs retirement community.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Anna Novak, wife Joan, brother Richard and sister Eleanor. Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory son Joseph and daughter-in-law Elizabeth; daughter Barbara Hunt and son-in-law William; son William and son-in-law Mark Henry; granddaughter Rachel Hunt Durocher and her husband Chris and daughter Noelle; grandson Joseph Hunt, sister-in-law Carol, her husband Dennis and their children Kevin, Kelly and Peter. Also cherishing Joe’s memory are his nieces and nephews; Greg, Marty, Nick, Ben, Ronnie, Dan, Tim and Rick.

The family wishes to thank staff at The Sheridan of Lakewood Ranch for providing a comfortable and compassionate home for Joe and Joan these past four years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, Florida on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a contribution to your favorite charity in Joe’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rtslwr.com for the Novak family.