Alex G. Novakovich – Monessen
Alex G. Novakovich, 88, of Monessen passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2019, in Mon Valley Hospital. Born in Monessen, on Dec. 17, 1930, he was the son of the late Jacob and Anna Yezerinac Novakovich, both formerly of Croatia. Alex was born and raised in Monessen. After graduating from Monessen High School, he was granted a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. He also joined the ROTC at this time. While studying full time and playing basketball at school, he returned home to work in the local steel mill on weekends. Upon graduating from university with a bachelor’s degree he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant. He was stationed outside of Paris for several years during the Korean War. When Alex returned home to Monessen, he became a teacher and basketball coach at West Mifflin South High School. He went on to earn his master’s degree and became a guidance counselor at the same school. During this time, he also for worked at the Meadows Race Track in the evenings. He remained at West Mifflin High and The Meadows until his retirement. He was a member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, CFU Lodge 194, the Croatian Club and the Monessen Elks 773. Alex is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan Stanek Novakovich; and two sons, Rob of Monessen and Rick of Manhattan, N.Y. He is survived by one grandson, Robbie; and a great-grandson, Aiden. Alex was preceded in death by his beloved son, Randy; and his brother, Jack. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at ROBERT A. BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., Grand Boulevard and Marion Avenue, Monessen, www.billicksfuneralhome.com. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with Father Michael Crookston officiating. Entombment will follow in Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Washington County Humane Society, 1527 Rt. 136, Eighty Four PA 15330.
