Wilbur Gene Novak, age 85 of Geneva, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Carington Park. On March 27, 1933, he was born to Frances Ethel (Bates) and Joseph Novak in Sharon, PA. Wilbur was an Air Policeman with the United States Air Force serving actively during the Korean conflict, and after returning home, he married his beloved Helen Bowen on January 21, 1956.

For 33 years, Wilbur coached boy’s little league baseball, T ball, and tag football. He helped all ages, and could always be found on a ballfield. He followed Cleveland sports and never missed a game. Wilbur played softball with his sons until he was 65 years old, imparting wisdom along with the skill of the game. He raised his family with sports, from baseball to billiards and bowling. If there was a ball involved, they were all there. Wilbur was also a patriotic man, a lifetime member of VFW post 6846, F.O.E. 2243, and American Legion Post 112.

Wilbur is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen; his children, Gary (Kathie) Novak, Daniel Novak, Michael Novak, Julie (Jeffery) Wilfong, Richard (Tanya) Novak; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Beverly Love and Mary Ellen (Daniel) Hicklin. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Betty.

Friends will be received 10-11:00 AM Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio 44041. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, with Pastor Rick Hughes officiating. Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery where military honors will be observed.

Family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff of Carington Park for their nurturing support, and recommends contributions be made, in Wilbur’s name, to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004, for their loving care.

Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com