John N. ‘Googie’ Novakovich – Monessen
John N. “Googie” Novakovich, 92, of Monessen, died on Thursday, July 16, 2020, in his residence. Born in Monessen on July 3, 1928, he was the son of the late Jacob and Anna Yezerinac Novakovich. John retired from the Monessen School District, where he was a math teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. He was a member of the former St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and now The Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 194, American Legion Post 28 and the PSEA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Alex Novakovich; and a sister-in-law, Josephine Novakovich. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy “Dotsy” Sabol Novakovich; three children, Janice and Jonathan Harding of Slippery Rock, John Novakovich of Spartansburg, and Julie and Brian Thieser of Monessen; a sister-in-law, Joan Novakovich; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Friday, July 17, from 6 until 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. until noon, when the funeral service will take place at ROBERT A. BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., Grand Boulevard and Marion Avenue, Monessen, www.billicksfuneralhome.com. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Due to state regulations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral home must limit guests to 25 at a time. Face coverings and social distancing are required. Memorial donations can be made to the family and will be used to fund a scholarship for Monessen High School students.
