Mark A. Novak

Mark A. Novak, age 69, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on March 3, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Mark was born on May 23, 1952 to James E. Novak and Beverly Jenkins in Brevard County, FL. He grew up in a large, loving family with his 4 sisters Mikki, Marian, Monika and Maggie; and one brother James. He joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country proudly until he fully retired from the Navy. He then moved and worked in Avaya as a telecommunication technician.

Mark married his first wife Cathy and had two children Jon and Angela. Mark has 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He married Jonalyn on August 25, 2007; lived in the Philippines for less than a year and moved back to Florida. They have one son Jerald (8).

Mark was dedicated with an exceptional work ethic, was socially interactive, loved to cook, bake and take care of his family and loved ones. Mark enjoyed the company of others, was very smart, supportive and loved to share a lot of trivia; Mark liked to go fishing, camping and traveling and he liked to try new things. Mark was a loving, caring, supportive husband, father and friend. When diagnosed with multiple myeloma on January 2013; he remained brave and optimistic that he would beat the cancer. He was a God-fearing believer and had strong faith.

Mark is survived by his wife Jonalyn, three children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his sisters, brothers, sons-in-law, daughters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Mark requested a traditional military funeral. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221 with a Committal Service at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218 on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a banquet to celebrate Mark’s life.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of Cancer Specialist of North Florida Riverside for taking good care of Mark and to the Veterans Dogs Foundation for helping Mark receive his service dog. Ms. Amy Grobstick, Pain Management Specialist, who always was there to assist, take care of and give Mark comfort at any time during his difficult times; and to our Family and all our friends who were always there to support and was always there for Mark in his time of need and loved Mark with all their hearts. Thank you.

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