Raymond Novak Obituary

Dear Mr. Novak,

I'm a better person for having known you. Thank you for being my teacher and friend.

I am grateful for the chance to reconnect with you in 2010-2011. That was a very important time in my life, and I'm glad I got to share with you. I just rediscovered a few email exchanges we had back then, and I wanted to share this piece of guidance you gave me: "There is only one thing I will always need from you...I hope you will remember the needy and always care for the brokenhearted. May you always be a force for good. Bless your heart."

I will try and take this with me and be a force for good, just like you. Thank you helping everyone around you. You are missed.

-Sudeep Y, Sunnyvale Challenger School, Class of '01

Dear Mr. Novak,

It is hard to believe that it has been so many years since your passing. We still fondly remember the Shakespear festivals you hosted, the after-school Latin Club, The Toothbrush school newspaper, and so many other formative memories and experiences we had with you.

Your lessons are the gift that keep giving and are a guiding light to us as we grow and find our place (and people!) in the world. Thank you for everything, and wherever you are today, we hope it is all smiles.

Love and hugs,
Your Challenger Sunnyvale Middle School Students

Dear Loretta and family,

It´s hard to believe that so much time has passed. I think of Ray often, he was an amazing man and such a huge part of my life growing up and again later as an adult. I will forever be grateful for his guidance, support, advice and friendship. God bless all of you and know that he is watching over all of us and loving us from above.

Diana (Matz) Henegar

Dear Loretta and Family,
Father Ray was a very kind and gentle man. My brother, Jerry Bylinski, still remembers the last time he had lunch with Ray and other classmates from Holy Innocents. They all got together at a restaurant in Chicago on Augusta Blvd. Jerry and other classmates were happy to see Ray, and they were glad he attended the luncheon. We are sure Father Ray is watching over you.
Sincerely,
Virginia (Irene Keska´s sister) and Ron Swanberg

Ray: I enjoyed playing basketball with you in high school, but even more enjoyed watching you become the adult you became: calm, spiritual, intense You are missed. Bernie Phelan

Time passes so quickly, and to be reminded of Ray's passing 7 years ago is hardly believable. Ray was a friend to our family in Midlothian when I was a young girl. I am 53 years old now, but when I was 9, Ray did a Q and A with me for the homily at Easter Mass, and I was so proud! I don't remember the questions he asked, but I do remember sitting there in front of the whole congregation. He could relate to anyone young or old, and that was his gift to all of us. I remember him visiting my young family in California and him having a full conversation with my 4-year-old son about Star Wars! There are so many wonderful memories I could share, but I think I'd need a lot more space. I was so privileged to have known Ray as a priest and a friend and he gave me many nuggets of great advice over many decades. Love and miss you Ray!

Reading this notice from Legacy, a reminder that we are approaching the anniversary of the death of Ray Novak, I feel again so moved to think that Ray is gone from our lives. My mother faithfully kept in touch with him after he left St. Catherine-St. Lucy, in Oak Park, and moved to California, and would read us his interesting letters to her.
Yes, a gentle soul, a good priest, and a fine human being, just as so many people say in their tributes, which are filled repeatedly with love and respect. His were wonderful homilies. He was an incredible teacher we all seem to agree, both in the classroom and from the pulpit.
Ray, you continue to be sorely missed and dearly held in the hearts of many people. I continue to think of words of wisdom you gave again and again. Today, people throw around the word 'influencer' about people when it comes to fashion and trends, you were surely a spiritual 'influencer' to countless people like my family. We miss you and think of you, still, on this sixth anniversary of your leave-taking. We feel gratitude for the gift of your life, and the privilege of knowing you.

I had the honor of visiting Father Ray on the afternoon prior to his passing. I asked him if he would like to receive the Eucharist and he said "yes". I went to the chaplain's office in Northwestern Hospital and secured the Blessed Sacrament for Father Ray. He received the Body and Blood or Christ and he said "Now I can rest."

Mr. Novak: I think in times like these you would quote Chaucer "Death is the end of every worldly pain." I hope you left the world in peace and knowing that you have made a difference in my life as well as many others.

I had the honor of being in his class, and every time I hear Lee Ann Womack's "I hope you dance" on the radio, I will think of you and your words of wisdom.

I am saddened that others cannot meet you. Rest in peace.

Father Raymond Nova was both my English teacher and my Spiritual Counselor when I was a student at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North (from 1982 to 1986). He went out of his way to help me believe in myself. I remember he had encouraged me to enter a City-wide story writing contest because he strongly felt that I would succeed, always telling me I had a lot of talent as a writer. I agreed to enter the contest and got 4rth place. I was incredibly shy my first two years at school. But he helped me a great deal to break out into much more sociable and confident person. My mother passed away in 1990, and he found out somehow and cared enough to surprise me by coming to her wake completely on his own. He still cared about his students even beyond high school. I eventually moved to Los Angeles, CA, and lost contact. I've thought about him on and off for a long time, and wanted to get back in touch with him to see how he was doing. But for years I couldn't find the proper information. Until now, when it's too late, sadly. I will always remember him fondly.

Mr. Novak was a wonderful teacher and an even more inspiring person. He brought to life all the pieces of literature that we discussed and always listened keenly to what everyone had to say. Not only did he give his class wonderful life lessons but he was also there to help us through all the hardships we faced. He was like a grandfather to me, and a person who always greeted everyone with his gracious smile. I remember him mentioning once in class that his birthday was June 1. Thank you Mr. Novak for being the most kind, compassionate, and caring person that touched our lives and may you live on in our hearts, minds, and deeds.

Saddened to learn of Mr. Novak's passing and heartfelt sympathy to all those missing him. Mr. Novak taught both my children and as a colleague, he also taught me. He made me feel special and my children too. So very blessed we are to have Mr. Novak in our lives. So very blessed my children are to have had Mr. Novak as their teacher. In my lifetime my children and I will never meet anyone as great as Mr. Novak. I will always remember Mr. Novak and I am grateful for the memories.

Our hearfelt condolences to Mr. Novak's sister and family. We are deeply saddened by the news of such a great loss. My daughter had the good fortune of being taught by Mr. Novak. I remember the back to school night when my daughter was in 6th Grade. I sat there mesmerized and enthralled wanting to be a student all over again and have him as my teacher. There will never be another Mr. Novak - the passion, love, enthusiasm he had for teaching was unparalleled. He taught with love, kindness and patience that made every student feel like a shining star. As a parent I felt blessed to have had him in our lives being a guiding light to these middle school kids by subtly weaving life lessons into an English class or a Shakespeare play. Every interaction with Mr. Novak brought a sense of calm and reassurance to me as a parent. Although the curtain closes, you will be etched in our hearts forever and always be fondly remembered Mr. Novak

I met Mr. Novak for the first time as a second grader. I really wanted to be in his class, as I had heard he was the best teacher ever! Both my sister and I had the privilege of being his students. Every student in his class was in awe of his passionate and expressive way of reading and speaking; he taught us all a knew way of looking at literature, and the world. Moreover, he taught me how to be an actor, and every time I take the stage, I remember what he told me: "Stick with it till the end. It's not over until you leave the stage." Never has someone so compassionate, active, and inspirational walked this earth, and maybe never will. We will miss you so much, Mr. Novak. Rest in peace.

My heart sinks as I write this message. My family and I were really privileged to have been touched by an angel like Mr. Novak. He was middle school english teacher for both my daughters. More than english, he taught them how to take life, how to be yourself, and how to be above yourself, be a great human being by his deeds more than words. Every interaction I remember with him was always enlightening, personal, encouraging, and reassuring about everything around you. Thank you for being such great human being, coming in our lives and shimmering it with your gentle,caressing superhumanness. Thank you for being such a role model for my girls and many more people whose lives you touched. We will miss you terribly. But you will live in our hearts and minds, forever.

Mr. Novak was one of the most inspiring human beings I've met. As young middle schoolers in Challenger Middle School he was always a favorite. The way he spoke so passionately about the stories we were studying inspired so many kids who never looked at reading as a means to open up the imagination and have fun. I will always remember him as an incredible orator, helping so many student open up, improve their public speaking confidence, and allow them to communicate effectively on stage. I will always credit him to creating that spark in me, at a very shy young age to take leaps and back myself when speaking. It is one of the main reason I decided to become an actor. Thank you Mr. Novak, Rest in Peace. I will miss you.

Loretta, our condolences go out to you and your family. Ray is in heaven now. He has helped so many people and will be missed by many. His job on earth is complete but he will still be praying for everyone . You are in our prayers.

When I met Ray I was a young immigrant kid who was pretty sure I was a dummy, and at best I might just squeak by at Quigley North. My Sophomore year I landed in Ray's English class. He taught me to hear the music in Shakespeare! He introduced me to James Joyce. He taught me and convinced me that every book is a doorway through which you could walk and inhabit another world. And it has made all the difference. By senior year I was in Ray's AP English class.

Over the years Ray and I stayed in touch. Occasionally exchanged books and notes. I was lucky enough to get to say Thank you, Teacher. His answer was always "You're doing good work out ether, Moises." I took that as both encouragement and a reminder that the only Thank You that matters is how you live your life. Ray and many of the other wonderful teachers at Quigley North really taught us that lesson with their deeds far more than words.

I was so sad to hear of Ray's sudden passing. Until some weeks ago, we had been playing phone tag trying to find a time to see each other for dinner.

I will miss you terribly my dear gentle friend. Thank you for holding up a light to show the way. Thank you for being a great teacher.

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Fr. Novak's death. Fr. Novak presided over a beautiful Mass for my Uncle Bob Cusack a few months ago and I had the pleasure of attending a Mass at the Cathedral where Fr. Novak said the Mass. I even had the opportunity to thank him for all he had done for our family at my Uncle's Mass. What a wonderful man. My prayers are with you all.
Jim Cusack

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Father Ray's passing. I remember him well from his time at St. Christopher's. My prayers are with his family. His ministry will be missed.

Loretta, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathy

A terrific person, a wonderful classmate and someone who
lived the gospel every day of his life

His homilies were works of art. He was always kind in the brief encounters . Monsignor Mayal refered to him as a poet. My heart sank and my ears couldn't believe what I heard this morning in the Cathedral. Fr. Ray had the vespers two weeks aga. Truly a great great loss for all of us. He leaves behind his gentleness, his kindness and his brilliance.Christmas in heaven. Father Ray thank you so much.

Dear Loretta and Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear of the death of your brother, Father Ray.
I received a call tonight from my brother, Jerry Bylinski, who informed me that Father Ray had died, and that Jerry had attended his services earlier in the day st Holy Name along with several grade school friends. I fondly remember Fr. Ray's kindness and empathy when my brother-in-law, Art Keska, was dying of cancer as a young man. Fr. Ray came to my sister's home and said mass for Art with family and friends present. Fr. Ray was a very compassionate and thoughtful man. He's on a new journey to heaven's gates and at peace with our Lord.
Sincerely, Virginia Bylinski Swanberg

Dear Loretta and Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear of the death of your brother, Father Ray.
I received a call tonight from my brother, Jerry Bylinski, who informed me that Father Ray had died, and that Jerry had attended his services earlier in the day at Holy Name along with several grade school friends. I fondly remember Fr. Ray's kindness and empathy when my brother-in-law, Art Keska, was dying of cancer as a young man. Fr. Ray came to my sister's home and said mass for Art with family and friends present. Fr. Ray was a very compassionate and thoughtful man. He's on a new journey to heaven's gates and at peace with our Lord.
Sincerely, Virginia Bylinski Swanberg

My heart sank during mass today when I had learned of his passing. He will always be special to me not only because he guided me back to the Church but also because he baptized my first child this past Julyand welcomed her into the Church. Prayers for him as he watches over us all now.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard the news of Father Ray's passing.
He attended many functions at our house while I was growing up.

Your gentle soul is missed. Bernie Phelan

You were a part of our extended family during the years you were assigned to St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy, Oak Park.

Joan, Barbara, Nancy, John & Carole Holland

Fr. Novak I will miss your wonderful 12:10 Masses. I enjoyed your homilies and especially your meticulous pronounciation of "hosanna". Thank you for your spiritual guidance. God bless you.

May God's blessings remain with Father Ray forever and ever. On behalf of all of his friends and classmates and former Altar Boys from Holy Innocents Grade School, Class of 1960, our sincere condolences to his family and to the Church.

Rest in peace, Ray. God bless you.

What a special gentle man and good priest. May he rest in peace.
Tom & Pat Nelson
St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish
Oak Park, IL

Loretta,
What a shock. We shall miss him. As our son, JJ always said, Father Ray always cared and always listened to you.
We were better because of knowing Ray.
You are in our prayers.

December 13, 2013
To the family, please accept my condolences for your loss. May you all draw close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8

I was a grade school friend of Fr. Ray and at age 13 it was apparent Ray had a special connection to his church and God.He was compassionate caring person and a pretty decent basketball player.This summer Ray joined us for lunch and I hoped to spend more time with Fr.Ray. He will be missed.

A good man, a good priest, a good friend...a great loss to many.

Mike Mann

Most sincere condolences to the Holy Name Cathedral Parish community, Pastor Dan Mayall, family & friends, on the death of Father Ray Novak. Always enjoyed his thought-provoking homilies at daily Mass at HNC. Thank you and eternal rest, Fr. Ray! Chaplain Glenda Spearman, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago.

This is a loss to the Church and all who knew Father Ray Novak. He was a wonderful person and a great preacher, such a good priest. Our large family, our mother and father, brothers and sisters, loved him when we got to know him at St. Catherine/St. Lucy Parish. He seemed to relate well to each person no matter what their age or status in life.

Sometimes you hear of a loss of someone you haven't seen in years and even though time and distance have come between communications, your heart sinks. That is how this news impacted our family. This is a sad loss.

Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with Ray and his family.

The Gawne Family

Loretta and family,
Bill and I have lost a great friend and holy man. He has meant so very much to our family since his ordination.He will be missed greatly by our family.

I have known Ray since childhood, and he was an amazing friend to our whole family. He has seen us through the happiness of marriage, baptisms, and the sadness of death in our family. I enjoyed many long conversations with him and will treasure those memories. Father Ray, rest with the Lord.

Father Ray was a fabulous priest and friend. He has been a part of my life and family for as long as I can remember. He was always there to counsel and guide and he words and gestures were always calming. He will be missed terribly by many but will forever live in our hearts and minds. My sincere condolences to his family, our prayers are with you.

Always a beautiful smile, a warm greeting and uplifting words..... Thank you, Father Novak! - Erica D. Seltzer, St. Catherine of Siena - St. Lucy (Oak Park, IL)

Ray Novak and I were classmates and good friends in grammar school and high school. He was always a first rate student,athlete, and friend who chose early in his life to be a priest. We did not see each other for over fifty years, but upon his return to Chicago, after I had moved to Houston, we spoke by phone. He was a gracious and dedicated priest. The Church and this world will be something less with his passing. Houston,Texas (248) 930-0124

I haven't seen Ray since the early '70s at a class reunion. But recently when I learned of his health problem, I sent him an email. It read in part: Congrats on your appointment to serve at Holy Name. On-line I found, read & enjoyed your parish bulletin-letter--the one that begins with Emily Dickinson, continues with your sojourn into the desert to hear the inner voice of God, and finally you return to Chicago to serve. I have a hunch that the love of Christ compels you inwardly and outwardly to love others. Ray, be encouraged in knowing that our hound-of-heaven relentlessly pursues the welfare of the poor. Ray, you probably have no idea of your profound influence on me. During November, memories of you kept coming to mind. Good memories of a committed Christ-follower. May the Lord who weaves a tapestry with our lives, embellish your life, Ray, with joy and peace.

We were classmates at Holy Innocents grade school.
We were good friends and only recently did we reconnect
He was outstanding sudent and excellent athelete and I know he must have been an outstanding priest.
I am sorry for his passing since we had made plans to recoonect this coming summer at our school reunion.
I will keep him in my prays as I know he will continue to pray for us.
Thomas Carrasquillo M.D.

Another angel called home. Prayers are being said for family members.

I loved when he said the 7am Mass at HNC. He preached the most interesting homilies. I will miss seeing him at that daily Mass. May he rest in eternal peace.

I remember Ray from seminary days.He and all of you will be remebered and held in prayer.

Dear Loretta and
Family: I will always remember Father Ray as our family priest. He was a very thoughtful and holy man. May he rest in peace. Virginia Cudecki

Father Ray was a good, sweet, interesting man with a warm smile, a gentle way about him, and a generous nature. We remember him with affection.

Father Novak...we had a chance to visit at the HNC Gala this year. What a delight. Inquisitive, funny, engaging, and so very genuine. Although we were just getting to know each other, I am a better man for having had the pleasure. With deepest sympathies to your family and to all at Holy Name Cathedral.