Dr. Robert Novak, 82, of Riverside, died Jan. 28, 2012.
Known affectionately in Riverside as “Dr. Bob,” he specialized in family medicine for more than 30 years, retiring in 1992, to the chagrin of his patients and professional network.
He attended the Stritch School of Medicine and later established his own office in Riverside. Throughout his career, Dr. Novak was affiliated with MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, where he was president of the medical-dental staff in 1973-74 and 1981-82.
Dr. Novak had a great affection for the village of Riverside, where he was raised, and was involved in many aspects of the community.
In addition to being known as Riverside’s “town doctor,” Dr. Novak launched the Our Town Project to foster cultural development, helped expand the local cable TV channel, served as the parade announcer on July 4 and regularly contributed to village discourse.
He conducted monthly blood pressure clinics for Riverside Township for 18 years, previously running the Well Baby Clinic in Lyons for 30 years. He was honored in October 2012 by U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski as a Senior citizen of the Year, an award he greatly appreciated.
Dr. Novak was the husband of Marjorie Novak (nee Licar); the father of Mary, Cathi (Dave) Kirchner, Liz (Jeff) Palmer, John (Carla) and Rob; and the grandfather of Olivia, Mackenzie, Chase, Alana and Carson.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 3 at St. Mary Church in Riverside, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
Memorial contributions are appreciated to Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle, Ill. 60532 or www.ben.edu.
Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services Ltd., of Berwyn, handled arrangements.
