Edward Ladis Novak, EdD

Ed grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where at a young age, he had both academic and athletic successes. At age 10, he was the fastest runner in the neighborhood so his friends encouraged him to run in the neighborhood running contests so they could win money on bets with other neighborhoods. In 11th grade, in his very first start on the high school basketball team, he scored 13 points and was the game high scorer. He was a member of the National Honor Society at John Adams High School in Cleveland.

Upon Graduation, Ed enlisted in the Coast Guard and served on the hearing unit for the 12th district in San Francisco. After his time in the Coast Guard, Ed enrolled at Heidelberg College in Ohio and was the first male to graduate with a degree in elementary education. He continued his education at Kent State University where is received a master’s degree in education supervision. However, he didn’t stop there; he continued at Akron University where he received his Doctorate in Education Administration. Ed was not only the first person in his family to graduate from high school, but the first to graduate college, the first to receive a master’s degree and the first to receive a doctorate degree. Ed’s influence on his family of the importance for an education was strong as his family has over 23 college degrees over 3 generations.

Ed worked in education for Warrensville City Schools in Warrensville, Ohio after graduating from Heidelberg college where he taught grades 3 through 5 for 6 years and served as an elementary principal for 14 years. He became a central office administrator for the next 15 years serving as Assistant and Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

After retirement, Ed and his wife, Vera moved to Vero Beach where he spent over 22 years on the St. Lucie County Land and Environmental and Acquisition board. While on the board, he was instrumental in St. Lucie County acquiring over $65 million in land preservation for future generations. Ed was a member of St. Anastasia Church of Ft. Pierce and served on the financial council for 4 years.

Ed is survived by his wife Vera of 66 years, his 4 children, Pam Yamek, Jan Novak, Michelle Long, and son, Ed Novak. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A funeral service will occur Monday, August 16, 2021, at 10:30 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 407 S 33rd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34947. The service will be available via and Internet Livestream service through the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach in memory of Edward Novak. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycock-hillcrest.com for the Novak family.

Livestream can be accessed via the website, https://www.stanastasiachurch.org/