Anthony John Novak

Anthony John Novak (Lt. Colonel USAF Retired) died peacefully August 28, 2008, at age 87. He had been ill the last year of his life. Tony was born in Manistee, Michigan to Joseph and Helen Novak, the youngest of eight children. At an early age his family moved to St. Clair, Michigan where he enjoyed a happy childhood. Tony loved the outdoors and animals, especially dogs and birds, and also loved to read and draw. Tony had a passion for knowledge; throughout his life he was able to develop expertise in fields as diverse as astronomy and woodcarving, and take delight in great cartoons such as Prince Valiant and Krazy Kat. In November 1941 Tony joined the Army Air Corps, entering the aviation cadet program to become a Bombardier/Navigator. He served in southern Italy in the 459th Bombardment Group completing 51 combat missions in the B24 Liberator. Tony was awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the European, African and Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with four Battle Stars, the certificate of valor for courageous service in aerial combat, and other decorations. His crew took part in the destruction of the Ploesti oilfields and the Bad Voslau aircraft plant for which they were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. In the great American aviator tradition, Tony designed and painted the nose art on "Hot 'n Bothered", his crew's B24, which depicted Donald Duck tiptoeing on puffs of flak. Later in the war, Tony was saddened to learn that, although her next crew survived, "Hot 'n Bothered" was shot down and she rests at the bottom of the Adriatic Sea. After World War II, Tony attended the Art School of the Chicago Art Institute and met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Reinking. He became a commercial artist for Encyclopedia Britannica, Raymond Loewy Designers, and Sid Dickinson Designers in Chicago. Tony was recalled to service during the Korean War and decided to continue his career in the Air Force. He and Dorothy made lifelong friendships in many places, including Texas and Germany. His expertise in the field of communication system development led to assignments in the Philippines, Thailand, and North Carolina. He traveled to many countries to work with their military staffs, culminating in a position as an advisory officer to the Taiwan government during the Vietnam War. Retiring to Austin in 1970, Tony completed his Fine Arts degree at the University of Texas in 1972 and became an ardent Longhorn fan. He developed an interest in bromeliads and was designated an international bromeliad judge. He found a new variety of Tillandsia which was named in his honor, Tillandsia novakii, by the International Bromeliad Society. Tony hybridized a Billbergia bromeliad which was officially named for his wife Dorothy. His artistic talents included stained glass design and construction and woodcarving. He combined his love of bromeliads and stained glass in 1986 by designing and creating a large stained glass panel of favorite bromeliads. Tony donated the panel to the Garden Center at Zilker Park where it is displayed today. Tony loved to stay busy and was active until last year; reading was a favorite pastime. He was a member of the Mens' Garden Club, Austin & Houston Bromeliad Societies, and the Central Texas Woodcarvers' Association. He always had new ideas and plans for projects. As he often said, "life is too short – I have so much I want to do." Tony was an extraordinary man, cherished his family, and will be greatly missed. Tony is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy, daughters Dorothy Jones (husband Terry), Susan Novak, and Andrea Novak; granddaughters Pepper DuBois, Leigh Anne Scarborough, Laurie Scarborough; great-granddaughter Katie DuBois; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Ace Alsup, III and his nurse Barbara, Hospice Austin and their nurse Lisa Miller, and other special caregivers. Tony was buried with military honors at Austin Memorial Park on August 30, 2008.