James Novak

Middleburgh- James B. Novak, III, 98, of Ecker Hollow Road, died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his winter residence in Reevesville, SC.

Born September 13, 1913 in Slovak Republic, he was the son of Imre and Mary (Bidlin) Novak. James came to the United States as a young boy.

He retired from General Electric in Schenectady, where he was a welder. James was formerly the head of the Schoharie County Conservative Party.

James and his wife had wintered in Reevesville for over twenty-five years.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Catherine (Reese) Novak and his brother, George Kolowaski, and his sister, Margaret Clark.

Survivors include his four children: Catherine (Gene) Brown of Hanahan, SC; James (Beverly) Novak, Jr. of Vestal,NY, Warren (Faye) Novak of Ridgeville, SC, Bruce (Cleo) Novak of Atkinson, NC; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill with Rev. James Gormley officiating. Friends are also invited to a period of visitation to be held at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday, at 10:30 AM. Burial was private in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Albany, NY 12211.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River St., Middleburgh and Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.