Thomas Novack

Thomas James Novack, age 61, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2022. He was born on November 21, 1960 in Lorain, Ohio to Marlene L. Novack and the late Gerald J. Novack. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Kellie A. (Kilbarger) Novack, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters Margaret “Maggie” (Jordan) Cook of Red Wing, Minnesota and Morgan Novack of Columbus Ohio. Tom’s grandson, Zane Cook, was the light of his life. Tom is survived by his sister, Nancy Novack (Michael) Idzkowski, in-laws Edward and Linda Kilbarger, sister-in-law Traci (Dale) Michalak, nephews Matthew Michalak and Nicholas Idzkowski, nieces Megan Michalak and Alyssa Idzkowski, and many other relatives and countless friends.

Tom graduated from Lancaster High School in 1979 and Miami University in 1983. He earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 1987 and practiced law in Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. As a lawyer and ultimately, the managing partner of Walker Novack Legal Group in Columbus, Tom was always happy to help clients, friends, and family members with their legal matters and through difficult times. Tom also actively promoted the legal profession, serving many years as a mentor/advisor to aspiring lawyers and serving as coach with the Ohio High School Mock Trial program.

A self-described “Boat Nerd,” Tom loved the Great Lakes and was especially captivated by shipping freighters, shipwrecks, and nautical history. He was an enthusiastic traveler, always planning his next adventure (and everyone else’s), an avid fisherman, gardener, reader, and bourbon aficionado. Tom especially loved bringing family and friends together by hosting dinners, get-togethers, and annual Christmas parties where he made numerous guest appearances as the man in the red suit. Everyone who knew Tom felt his kindness and generosity. He will be missed dearly by so many.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin OH 43017. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 6899 Smoky Row Rd. Columbus OH 43235 at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 20th with burial immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 North High St., Lewis Center OH 43035. The family would like you to join them for lunch following the cemetery at Nocterra Brewing Co., 41 Depot St., Powell, OH 43065 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society at: https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/product-category/donate-now/.